Readings from the Traditional Latin Mass : A Meditation, The Circumucision of Our Lord

While in the Ordinary Form of the Mass, the New Year brings about the Solemnity of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, in the Extraordinary Form (Traditional Latin Mass), 8 days after the birth of Jesus, we celebrate the Circumcision and Naming of the Lord.

While it is most likely the Mass on the 1st January is a Low Mass, it could be celebrated with a Midnight Missa Cantata, or even Missa Solemnis.

The Introit is a passage from Isaiah many will have heard : "For a Child is born to us", reminding us of the reason for this Christmastide season, and indeed, this feast.

The Epistle to Titus proclaims the manifestation of God's grace, which brings salvation to all men. It calls us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, to live soberly, justly, and piously in this world, as we await the blessed hope and the glorious coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. St. Paul reminds us that Christ gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity and purify us as a people zealous for good works.

This passage is a call to vigilance and self-discipline. As Christ was obedient to the Law through His circumcision, we are invited to imitate His obedience by renouncing sin and embracing virtue. The grace that appeared in Christ teaches us to live not for this fleeting world but for the eternal one. In meditating on this, we are urged to contemplate the enormity of Christ's love, which seeks not only to save but to sanctify us.

The Gradual proclaims: "All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Sing joyfully to God, all the earth. The Lord hath made known His salvation: He hath revealed His justice in the sight of the Gentiles."

Finally, the Gospel proclaims:

"And 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."

This simple verse encapsulates profound truths. The circumcision of Jesus is the first shedding of His Precious Blood, a foreshadowing of His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. By submitting to the Law, He fulfills it perfectly, not for His own sake but for ours, that we might be freed from its burden. His name, "Jesus," meaning "God saves," reveals His mission and identity. This name, given by the angel, is not merely a label but a declaration of His divine purpose.

In meditating on this Gospel, we see the humility of the Incarnate Word. He who is above all laws chooses to submit to them. He who is sinless takes on the appearance of a sinner, that He might redeem sinners. His name is a source of hope and strength for all who call upon it, a reminder that salvation is found in no other.

The feast of the Circumcision invites us to contemplate the mystery of Christ's humility and obedience. Through His circumcision, He enters into the covenant of Abraham, fulfilling the Law and prefiguring the new covenant sealed in His Blood. The Epistle exhorts us to live in holiness, the Gradual calls us to praise the universal salvation of God, and the Gospel reveals the significance of His holy name.

As we reflect on these readings, let us renew our commitment to live as members of Christ's covenant. Let us strive to imitate His humility, to trust in the power of His name, and to await His coming with joyful hope. May the Precious Blood shed at His circumcision remind us of the infinite love with which He has redeemed us, and may His holy name be ever on our lips and in our hearts.

Thank you, and Happy New Year!