CHARLOTTE — In his first Mass of the new year, Bishop Peter Jugis encouraged people to emulate Jesus the Prince of Peace and His mother Mary, Queen of Peace in their lives.
During his homily in St. Patrick Cathedral, Bishop Jugis noted that Catholics were now eight days into the Christmas season while many others in society have already “moved on” from Christmas.
“We, with joy and enthusiasm, are still celebrating the great event of our Savior’s birth,” he said.
He pointed out that the Christmas decorations that were still hanging in churches and homes help us to remain focused on the great gift that we celebrate this season: Jesus, and the peace that He brings.
“Our first reading for this Mass today (on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God) from the Book of Numbers gives us the theme of this feast day, and it is the blessing which Aaron the priest is to give to the Israelites: ‘The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.’ And in light of what we are celebrating this season, we can truly say that God has looked upon us kindly and given us peace. That peace has a name, and His name is Jesus, the Prince of Peace.”
Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the bishop explained, “just as the prophet Isaiah had foretold as we heard at the first reading at the Midnight Mass. The angels confirm that the Prince of Peace has been born when shepherds in the field hear the angels say, ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’”
Mary, the Mother of the Prince of Peace, is honored by the Church as the Queen of Peace, he added.
“It is quite appropriate during the Christmas season, especially now, on the feast of the Mother of God, that the Church celebrates the World Day of Peace. We have (celebrated this feast) since 1968 when Pope St. Paul VI instituted this day of commemoration of Mary, Mother of God,” he said.
“That theme of peace shows up in our Christmas hymns: ‘Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn king, peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconcile’; and ‘Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright, holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.’”
“We know that peace comes from knowing Jesus and His Blessed Mother, and peace comes from keeping them close in your life,” he said.
“Peace is a gift, and peace is a gift that must be protected and nurtured – peace for our families, peace in the heart of our families and in the heart of our homes, and peace in the heart of every single family member.”
“If your heart is agitated or preoccupied or worried at this time of year – certainly society can do that to us – place your concerns in the hands of the Lord. Pray and
He will give you peace as we celebrate this World Day of Peace and commemorate Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Peace,” he said.
“Jesus has come to help you, to be your Savior. Jesus is on your side. He is here to help you and save you,” Bishop Jugis said. “Ask the Blessed Mother also for her intercession.”
He urged people, “Make sure that all of us are agents of peace, bringers of peace to others during this season and always.”
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter