Skip to content
God's MapOpen the map

Gospel for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

January 1, 2027 · Luke 2:16-21

The Mother of God

One week after Christmas we celebrate Mary, the Mother of God. It is also the World Day of Peace. Luke 2:16-21

Liturgical color: white

This Sunday’s Gospel, in everyday words

The shepherds went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. Luke 2:16

When they saw the child, they found that everything they had been told about him was true. Luke 2:17

All who heard what had happened were amazed at what the shepherds told them. Luke 2:18

Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Luke 2:19

The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Luke 2:20

Eight days later, on the day of his circumcision, he was named Jesus, as the angel had said. Luke 2:21

What the Bible says

Luke 2:16-21

16And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. 17And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. 18And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 21And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb.

Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.

The other readings at Mass

First Reading

God teaches Aaron how to bless the people: may the Lord bless you, keep you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:22-27

Responsorial Psalm

May God have pity on us and bless us, and may all the nations praise him. Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8

Second Reading

When the time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman. We are no longer slaves, but children. Galatians 4:4-7

The full readings for this day, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: bible.usccb.org

What the Church teaches

Mother of God

The son whom Mary conceived is the eternal Son of the Father. That is why the Church confesses that Mary is the Mother of God.

Catechism 495

The World Day of Peace

Pope Paul VI proposed celebrating it every January 1. The first one was in 1968.

Paul VI, Message for the first World Day of Peace, December 8, 1967 (vatican.va)

The color white

On feasts of the Virgin Mary the priest wears white.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal 346

To read with your children

The shepherds found Jesus with Mary and Joseph. Luke 2:16

Mary kept everything in her heart. Luke 2:19

The shepherds went home praising God. Luke 2:20

They gave the child the name Jesus. Luke 2:21

Mary is the Mother of Jesus, and Jesus is God.

To talk about as a family

  1. Mary kept things in her heart. What do we want to keep from the year that just ended?
  2. What do we ask God for this new year?
  3. For the child: what would you like to tell the Virgin Mary today?

This week

Begin the year with the blessing from the first reading: each night, bless your children with those words.

To pray

Holy Mary, Mother of God, we entrust this new year to you. Watch over our family, give us peace, and always lead us to your Son Jesus. Amen.

Who is in it?