The first reading reminds us how powerful is a blessing of a mother.  In the first reading Moses gives the blessing to the children of Israel.  Those of us who had a mother who believed in God were much blessed because we received a blessing from our mothers as part of our daily lives. I remember my first day of school was very emotional.  I did not want to stay as school, and I remembered I cried and begged my mother to take me home with her.  I did not want to stay with strangers, and I remember that I clung tightly to my           mother’s leg and did not want to let go. The bell was ringing, the  children were all running to their classroom, but I kept grabbing tight so my mother did not let go.  Finally, I did let go after much convincing to stay, and my mother gave me her blessing and promised to come back to take me back home.  I think many children may have had a similar experience their first day of class, for me it was a powerful experience and I still remember it vividly. I remember many mornings my mom would bless us in our way to school. As we begin this year, let us remember we have heavenly mother that blesses us every day of the year when we come to her for her blessing.  She remains quiet and keeping all her heart. And how it hurts when people go on living their lives without even remembering to ask for her blessing. The Blessed Mary is willing to protect us and guides every day of the year with her motherly blessing, if only we ask.  In fact, the church has feast days and solemnities of Mary throughout the course of the year to remember that Mary is always there for us like a loving mother.  She gazes on us as she gazed on her child in the manger, with such tenderness and love every day. Let us be open to receive her maternal blessing, for her blessing not only prepares us for the everyday challenges of this world, but it also accompanies us to bring us home to the heavenly homeland, where we can glorify and praise God for all eternity. As we start this year may we count on the blessing of Mary, our mother by praying to her the rosary, novenas, and asking her directly for it. May Mary bless us when we ask her in prayer.