1-3 January 2026
Providentially this year opens with a triduum of prayer. In this way we set the tone for each day of the year of grace we have before us, another year in our lives given to us by God to be used for His greater glory. We should live each year as if it were our last, for it may very well be, just as each day may very well be our last day on earth, an ultimate opportunity to make ourselves ready for the Lord’s coming, renouncing evil and embracing the good.
1 January is the octave day of Christmas and the day of the Circumcision of our Blessed Lord. Like all Jewish boys Jesus was circumcised when only eight days old. This ceremony which marked Him in His flesh as a descendant of Abraham and a member of the Chosen People, was a painful one. All other infant boys are unaware of the operation which causes pain but is quickly forgotten. Our Lord, from the first moment of His conception in Our Lady’s virginal womb, had the full use of reason, and therefore fully realised the nature of the rite that was being performed. He also felt the pain with much greater acuity. For the first time, Jesus sheds His blood for us, and with His blood, no doubt some tears. Those first drops of blood He shed on this day were enough to redeem us. God the Father could have decided that this was enough and that the redemption of the human race was accomplished. In reality, it would only be a prelude to much greater sufferings that would manifest the excessive love God has had for each one of us.
Why be reminded of this when we are celebrating on New Year’s Day? Simply because during the coming year we will be given the opportunity to suffer with Jesus. Perhaps we will not have to shed our blood, even though this remains a possibility. One thing is certain: suffering, in many forms will come our way, and we must not waste the opportunity given us to unite whatever pains we have with those of the Saviour. Let none of the aches and pains of this year be wasted in refusing them and in grumbling!
On this day, the Infant also receives His Name: He is called Jesus. This name was given to Him by God the Father Himself who sent His Son to redeem and save us. This is why He is called Jesus, which means Saviour. In the face of whatever trials may lie ahead of us, let us have confidence that if we devoutly invoke the Holy Name of Jesus, we will be victorious over the devil and all our enemies, and more importantly, over ourselves. Indeed, we are our own worst enemy when we resist God’s plan and refuse to carry our daily cross. In the Name of Jesus we will draw strength, courage, resolution, and we will manfully face and overcome all the legions of Hell.
May then these two thoughts – the suffering of the Baby Jesus in His circumcision, and the almighty power of His Name – accompany us throughout the days of the coming year, and may Mary Immaculate, the Mother of God and Mediatrix of All Graces, guide our steps ever more to follow His.