The shepherds hurried away to Bethlehem. Homily for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

An angel announces the news of the birth of Jesus to shepherds who were living in the fields keeping the night watch over the flock. They rush to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. We're reading from Luke's infancy narrative, which functions something like an overture. Luke sounds notes in today's gospel that will resonate through the whole gospel.