On this New Year’s Day we pray for peace and justice, a theme begun by Pope Paul VI and continued by his successor John Paul II. In his world tours the Pope has continually prayed for peace and justice and reminded us that it is rooted in truth.

The Holy Father says that peace and justice do not come by instinct to man. They must be learned; and they can only be learned in truth. For the truth shall make you free.

If this expression is really true and it is God s Word, it is especially true for our young adults and adolescents upon whose shoulders is placed the responsibility for developing the future, an awesome responsibility.

Technology develops so rapidly that previous generations simply cannot keep up; political and economic developments would hardly be recognized by our founding fathers. But change, as rapid as it takes place can only be considered development if it is rooted in the basic values of life, the inalienable God given values. When these roots are severed values are lost forever.

"Put away bitter jealousies and selfish ambitions far from your heart. Give to the one who begs from you, do not turn your back on the borrower, offer no resistance to injury, do not raise your sword or automatic weapon or your fist or even tongue against another, war never again.

Such a peace is a powerful challenge. It is the primary challenge to the world of today and tomorrow to our young people but it is not their burden alone. It must pick the conscience of every man and woman, especially parents whose primary responsibility is the formation of their children.

When we speak of families today, we must speak of our relationship to the whole of society. We are not merely individuals but one family in God. Today we must begin to recognize that all of us and each of us is a unique child of God. We must develop a sense of solidarity as brothers and sisters rejecting all forms of prejudice and injustice no matter what their label.

In Latin America the Holy Father faced political liberation. In his own native Poland he faced Atheistic communism. In Ireland he faced religious rivalry and bigotry. In Japan he faced the results of nuclear war. In Turkey he was surrounded by machine guns. But in his own front yard he faced his own death. Everywhere the Holy Father fearlessly spoke the truth- whether it be popular or not--and everywhere he visited the national shrines dedicated to the Mother of God whom we solemnly honor today.

Many times, the scriptures and life itself give us opportunities that are difficult to comprehend from which we must pray as well as reason to learn true value.

Why did God arrange for a virgin birth? Perhaps, so that there could be no mistake in identifying Jesus; but Mary, herself, had difficulty in understanding, "How could this be?" She nevertheless agreed to the will of God putting herself totally in his trust. St. Luke tells us: Mary treasured all of these things and reflected on them in her heart. What things?

A virgin birth, how could it be? The savior of the world, but why me? Birth in a cold dark stable? Flight in terror from an insane and jealous king? Visiting strangers from faraway lands? What child is this?

A child who was born into the world, not to live, but to die. His name, Jesus means Savior. From the crib to the cross Mary remains His mother--the joyful mother--the grieving mother. Mary has shared in all of the experiences humanly possible.

In his poetry T.S. Elliot refers to Mary as the Lady of Silence. On this New Year’s day Mary stands in clear contrast to the hustle and bustle of the world; to the loud partying of last night and the rust rush back to business tomorrow or even today.

All too soon our Christmas is ended. Just a few hours ago we ushered in the New Year as a baby with a ribbon marked 2004.

What a difference only a few hours makes. 2003 was ushered out as a decrepit, aged, and unwelcome old man. We know very well that 2004 will exit all too soon in the same ignominious way. And so will we unless our faith ignites us to live in truth.

These are not simple old fashioned ideas They are as old as creation itself but they will last until the end of time because they are the fundamental option of life.

You can seek escape into a world of business, darkness, and drugs. Or you can seek truth in the silence of your heart. There safely vaulted in the sanctuary of your heart you can find the truth and the lasting peace which Jesus says: the world cannot give. Only He can give.

He gave it to His Mother; and His Mother gives it to us. What a more fitting way to begin our new year than by honoring her:

Hail Lady of Silence.

Hail Queen of Peace