The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Gospel Reflection 9/8/2022

Now, this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your wife, into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins. “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” (Mat 1:18-23)

Today is a special day for Christians because we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary's birthday. The traditional date of the feast, "September 8," arrives precisely nine months after the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, which celebrated the Virgin Mary as being free from original sin from the moment of conception. When we celebrate the birth of Mary, we honor Jesus, who gave her to all Christians to be their mother. Take her into your heart and home today, and let our Blessed Virgin Mary be a model for your Christian walk.

            Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near, and he said to his     mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!'           And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own home." (John 19:26-27)

As with most birthdays, it is an excellent time to point out what it is about them that we love so much. St. John Damascene called Mary a city of refuge for all who fled to Her. She loves the sinner, for she sees in all the possible saint; so, loving him, as every mother loves the wayward child, she pursues him, weeps over him, as Monica wept over Augustine, and pleads with him to come back home.{1} Her faith, hope, humility, obedience, prudence, and modesty make her the morning star and mother most pure, helping Christians to find her Son, Jesus Christ. 

Today, thank Mary for being a mother to all of us and always guiding us with her love. She is the queen of heaven and earth so let's celebrate her queenship by praying a rosary or spending some quiet time in prayer.

            Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.

Please leave a comment and tell her how special she is in your life.

Reference:

{1} www.salvemariaregina.info/SalveMariaRegina/SMR-171/Refuge.htm