As the octave of the Nativity of the Lord this feast deepens the insight and implications of the Christmas feast which itself is the fulfilment of Advent. The latter not only anticipated the celebration of the birth of the Messiah but also the return on glory of the Christ when he will be "all in all." (Col 3: 11) Thus, all of these feasts are retrospective and anticipatory of God's action in human history. Reflecting as they do on the Incarnation, we are also drawn into the mystery of the Holy Trinity such that Mary of Nazareth is not only mother of Jesus but also equally Mother of God. We take strength from these mysteries which are: "training us to renounce impiety, and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright and holy...". (Tit 2: 12) As World Day of Peace we recognize the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah that the Messiah will be named: "Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Is 9: 6) Saint Paul writes: "For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that, is, the hostility between us." (Eph 2: 14) Jesus not only does this for the Jews and Gentiles but for the whole world as his power to save is universal. let us seek peace, which is the fruit of justice, in all of our relationships too.
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