The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, Year A
Readings: Numbers 6:22–27; Psalm 66(67):2–3, 5, 6, 8; Galatians 4:4–7; Luke 2:16–21
1 January 2026
“God sent his Son, born of a woman.” – Galatians 4:4
In the fourth century, the Church faced one of her greatest challenges, the Arian heresy, which claimed that Christ was not truly divine, but a created being. But as St Paul makes clear, and the Church proclaims, Jesus is both Son of God and son of Mary. This is why Mary’s greatest title is Mother of God.
Everything that Jesus taught and did, and Christians believe, depends on who he is: God and Man. In the person of Jesus, there is both a divine nature and a human nature, making him truly Son of God and truly Son of Mary, who by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, conceived the eternal Word of God in her Immaculate Womb; the Word who is God. Thus, Mary is truly the Mother of God. This is what we celebrate in today’s feast—that Jesus, born at Bethlehem, is the pre-existent and co-eternal Word of God, co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, the Saviour who redeemed the world and the only name by which we can be saved. Thus, St John wrote in his Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1).
Through Mary, God’s promise to redeem us was fulfilled in Jesus: true God and true Man. Today, as we honour Mary, we pray to her to intercede with her divine Son and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to bless and guide us, her spiritual children, that like her, we, too, may have the humility, courage and faith to say, “Let it be done to me according to your will” (Lk 1:38).
Mother of God, and our mother, pray for us. Amen.
Fr Christopher G. Sarkis
Fr Christopher G Sarkis is the parish priest of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Rosemeadow, NSW. Ordained in 1985, he has served in various parishes in the Diocese of Wollongong. His current diocesan roles include the College of Consultors, Council of Priests, and Clergy Remuneration Fund.
With thanks to the Diocese of Wollongong, who have supplied this reflection from their publication, The Promise: Advent and Christmas Daily Reflections 2025. Reproduced with permission.
