The priestly blessing from Numbers is one of the most beautiful prayers in the Bible, and it reveals God to us - blessing, kindness, graciousness, and peace. That is what God desires for us - we need to remember that. The willingness of Mary to conceive and give birth to Jesus made it possible for us to be adopted as children of God - no longer slaves. When we cry, 'Abba, Father!' it is a cry of recognition - we know that we came from God and will return to Him. The shepherds related the strange tale of the heavenly host and the message they had been given to Mary. She did not understand completely at that point, but she trusted totally. She treasured all she had heard in her heart, trusting that illumination would eventually come. Mary and Joseph did what was expected - they took Jesus to the temple for His circumcision and naming, all in keeping with Jewish law and tradition. These readings call us to reflect on the long process that led to our redemption and to pray for greater trust, fidelity, and attention to the will of God. Mary is the Mother of God and the mother of us all.