It is the dawn of the new year here in New Zealand. Shortly I will head up to the church to celebrate the first Mass of the year at which I will pray especially for those who follow this website and for your intentions.

I have spent some time this morning with the readings of today’s Liturgy for the feast of Mary the Mother of God. The first reading includes a beautiful prayer. Let’s make it our prayer for each other, especially for those people we find difficult, throughout this new year:

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 kindly and give you peace!  Numbers 6:22

In this recording the English composer John Rutter conducts his own glorious composition.