Mary did not have a complete picture of the mission she had undertaken. She was progressively growing into that realization. She marvels at what Simeon said about the child. She is almost taken by surprise. She was amazed before God’s works, as were the apostles and all the people.
By bringing forth our Lord and Savior, Mary reveals the face of God, the source of our ultimate joy and happiness. She is indeed the best teacher, who leads us to her Son, that we may through him know the Father.
On the first day of the year, the universal Church in her Liturgy celebrates the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God. For Catholics, there could not be a better way to enter the New Year, in according to the saints’ teaching: there is no safer way on the path to Jesus than through the hands of His Mother, Mary Most Holy.