Today’s Gospel describes the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. In the Gospels of Matthew, Jesus’ public ministry begins after his baptism by John the Baptist and after his retreat to the desert where he was tempted by the devil. When Jesus returns from the desert, he hears that John has been arrested.

Today, the Octave Day of Chrismas, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, our Lady's greatest title. Exactly what are we celebrating? It is Mary’s role in the mystery of salvation brought to fruition through the Incarnation, death, and resurrection of her son, Jesus Christ. "Mary, the all-holy ever-virgin Mother of God, is the masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time. For the first time in the plan of salvation and because his Spirit had prepared her, the Father found the dwelling place where his Son and his Spirit could dwell among men. This Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, invites us to marvel at the God who comes to us in loving vulnerability and dependence. Following Mary, we are called to do nothing less than repeat her words: "May it be done in me according to your will." Christ is always needing to be born in and among us, and that calls for every year to be a New Year.