St. Anthony's Catholic Church

Fr. Matt’s Corner: Theotokos, and our mother, too

          Merry Christmas, everyone!

          “Umm, Father Matt, I think you‟re about a week late with that . . .”

          Well, actually, it is still Christmas. The Christmas season began last weekend on December 25, and continues now until next weekend. This Sunday marks the eighth day of Christmas, so . . . Merry Christmas! It is also the feast of Theotokos today.

          “Fr. Matt, did you say thayo-tacos? What is that, some new kind of Tex-Mex food?”

          No, no, no. Theotokos – that‟s Greek for: God-Bearer. That‟s Mary‟s title: the Mother of God, and today we celebrate the feast of the Mother of God (Theotokos). As we remember during this Christmas season that Jesus – the Word of God – the Son of God – became man, we also realize that He did this by being born of a mother, Mary. So, the greatest blessing of all – God‟s dwelling among us (one with us) – came to us through His mother, Mary – Theotokos.

          Just as Jesus grew and lived in a human family – the Holy Family, so too, may our lives grow in Our Family the Church – under the loving care of Mary our Mother. Just as Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart, so now I ask that you prayerfully consider how you may invest yourself more and more into growing our family here at St. Anthony parish. Like all families, we have numerous gifts (many of which are still lying dormant) as we face challenges and needs together.

          Most of all, I ask that we all fill our hearts with the joy and hope that comes with Christmas. Joy that comes from knowing God is with us, and hope that comes from God‟s promise to renew us – to grow us to be ever more than what we have been.

          As we live out this Christian mission, may you and your families have the blessing of Christmas (God-with-us). May the Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you with kindness and give you peace!

          Peace to all of you this holy day and to all who love the Lord in simplicity of heart,

Fr. Matt