Cardinal Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo called on the faithful to embrace hope, faith, and compassion as they enter the new year during his homily delivered at the Tokyo Cathedral Holy Mary Cathedral on Jan. 1.
Marking the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the World Day of Peace, the Cardinal reflected on the Virgin Mary’s example and urged global action to address pressing issues, including war, violence, and the plight of migrants.
The prelate highlighted the significance of the feast day, which commemorates Mary’s role in the life of the Church and her unique journey of faith.
“By commemorating the Virgin Mary on the first day of the calendar of the new year, the Church is trying to show how important the Virgin Mary is in our faith life,” he said.
He described how Mary faced a series of life-altering events, from the angel Gabriel’s announcement to the birth of Jesus, yet she remained steadfast in her faith.
“Mary was not distracted by these events, but instead kept them in her heart and continued to ponder what God wanted from them,” he noted.
Quoting Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Cardinal Kikuchi reminded the faithful that “Mary is a believing woman who lives and walks in faith. Her unique journey of faith is a constant guide for the Church.”
He encouraged listeners to emulate Mary’s contemplative attitude amidst life’s uncertainties and societal challenges.
“Because we live in such times, we would like to learn from the attitude of the Virgin Mary, who took the events that were happening in her heart and pondered God’s will and plan,” he said.
Turning to the global observance of the World Day of Peace, the Cardinal expressed deep concern for ongoing conflicts and crises, including the situations in Ukraine, Gaza, Myanmar, and other regions.
“We cannot help but think of the many people, especially children, who are caught up in the chaos and are living in fear and sorrow,” he lamented.
He called on world leaders to prioritize dialogue and policies that restore mutual trust over military solutions, praying for “a world in which life, a gift from God, is protected from beginning to end, and in which the dignity of all people as images of God is equally valued.”
Cardinal Kikuchi also addressed the struggles of migrants and displaced individuals, highlighting the challenges they face.
“There are countless reasons why people continue to move, but many of them are compelled to move for reasons they do not actively want to. No one can afford to be forgotten. Every life is a gift from God,” he emphasized.
Quoting Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Peace, the Cardinal noted the Pope’s focus on structural sin and collective responsibility.
“The Pope then cited the ‘structural sin’ pointed out by Pope St. John Paul II, and called on all of humanity to feel some responsibility and work together to act in response to the various events occurring around the world that demean human dignity, rather than accusing anyone of being responsible,” he said.
Cardinal Kikuchi urged the faithful to walk with Jesus and the Virgin Mary in faith, hope, and love. “Just as the Virgin Mary accompanied Jesus in faith on his journey to realize peace, let us also strive to accompany the journey of each and every life that God cherishes and loves,” he said.
He expressed hope for a world marked by compassion and solidarity, underscoring the Virgin Mary’s role as a guide and intercessor. “Let us be filled with the overflowing maternal love of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Hope, and walk forward together with the Lord and the Virgin Mary,” he said.
