Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Scripture:
Micah 5:1-4a
Romans 8:28-30
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
Reflection:
Sister Mary Jean (+1988) quoted her in the perfect sense, “Morning Star,” we call her in the litany; in the Canticle of Canticles she is prefigured by the words, “Who is she that comes forth as the morning rising?”
To us looking back, as to those patriarchs looking ahead for the long four thousand years, Mary is the dawning, Christ the perfect day. Dark as the world may seem today, it can never be quite dark again since Mary came on earth. Mary, whose birth was the dawning hope for mankind, brought to us the light of the world.
Sister Mary Jean Dorcy, O.P.
Mary, Mother of God. Wow what a title. God is the creator, the almighty, the beginning, the middle and the end. To be born full of grace is indeed a blessing from God. To carry God in her stomach for 9 months is a blessing. To raise Jesus Christ the Son of God is a blessing. Blessed are you Mary, mother of God. Hail Mary full of Grace. Our new Eve. Mary’s yes was the biggest leap of faith a human being can make. God bless the day you were born. Through you a Savior was born. Through you we have everlasting life. Through you we offer up our prayers. Through you our sins are forgiven by your Son, Jesus Christ.
Happy Birthday, Mary.
Deacon Peter Smith serves at St. Mary’s/Holy Family Parish in Alabama, a religion teacher at Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Birmingham, and a member of our extended Passionist Family.