Mary, the New Eve, and Salvation’s Dawn – Jan 01 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 01, 2025, on how Mary's "yes" began salvation, uniting with Jesus in suffering to redeem humanity.

Father reflects on the beginning of salvation through the Virgin Mary, contrasting her obedience to Eve's disobedience (Genesis 3:15). He highlights Mary's role as the "new Eve," through whom salvation was made possible by her fiat (Luke 1:38). Echoing St. Bernard, he emphasizes Mary's divine motherhood, made possible by the Immaculate Conception (CCC 491) and foretold by the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14. Mary is likened to the burning bush, a sign of God's presence and holiness (Exodus 3:2-5).

Father explains the circumcision of Jesus as the first shedding of His blood for humanity's salvation (Luke 2:21). He reflects on the significance of Jesus' name, meaning "The Lord is salvation," connecting it to Joshua, who led the Israelites to the Promised Land (Galatians 4:4-5). He ties this to the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission, which was prefigured in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Covenant.

The homily concludes with a call to recognize sin's gravity and Mary's role in salvation history, urging devotion and reflection on Jesus' and Mary's sacrificial love (CCC 618, CCC 964).

Further Reading:
Genesis 3:15 - NAB - God's promise of redemption. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?15
Luke 1:38 - NAB - Mary's fiat of obedience. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?38
Isaiah 7:14 - NAB - The prophecy of the virgin birth. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/7?14
Catechism of the Catholic Church #491 - The Immaculate Conception. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p2.htm#491
Catechism of the Catholic Church #618 - Participation in Christ's suffering. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a4p2.htm#618
Catechism of the Catholic Church #964 - Mary's cooperation in redemption. - https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p6.htm#964

00:00 – Introduction and Yearly Reflection
00:15 – Mary and Eve: A Parallel
00:42 – Mary's Role in Salvation
01:52 – The Divine Motherhood of Mary
02:36 – The Nativity and Divine Presence
03:55 – The Burning Bush and Virginity
05:05 – Virgin Mary: The New Ark
06:10 – Circumcision: First Blood Shed
06:48 – The Meaning of Jesus' Name
08:02 – Jesus Leads to the Promised Land
09:05 – Blessings Through Christ's Sacrifice
09:27 – Conclusion: Salvation and Blessing

Ave Maria!

Mass: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God - Solemnity - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4967
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010125.cfm
1st: num 6:22-27
Resp: psa 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
2nd: gal 4:4-7
Gsp: luk 2:16-21

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1009

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