The beautiful priestly blessing from Numbers reveals that God's nature is kindness. God is the one who blesses, comforts, heals, and guides. We should keep this uppermost in our minds and hearts. Sadly, God's kindness was not returned to Him by the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

Let us strive to be faithful. God's greatest blessing - Christ - came to us through a woman, as Paul acknowledges.

It enabled our adoption as children of God the Father. It reflects the fidelity and commitment of women and their openness to God. This has often been overlooked in word, attitude, and deed.

Let us strive to honour women and ensure their equal status in the Church and society. At the birth of Jesus, angels appeared to the shepherds. They were of lowly status in society and not entirely trusted by others, yet they were honoured with the news of the Messiah's birth.

God comes to those whose hearts are open, regardless of their status in society. Mary had much to ponder, and she probably did not understand everything at first.

She was like so many of us. But she kept reflecting and praying for the light of understanding to shine in her heart and mind, as we should do. Shining through all of these events is the kindness and mercy of God.