Our Blessed Mother

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First Reading: Micah 5:1-4a or Romans 8:28-30
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 13
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 or Matthew 1:18-23


Today we celebrate the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today we honor the birth of our Blessed Mother who came into this world free of sin; who shows us how to say yes to the Lord and who wishes to bring us closer to her son Jesus.

In case you somehow missed the Olympics several weeks ago, history was made in the sport of swimming. Michael Phelps, who is dominate in this sport, went on to win eight gold medals! This is certainly a feat that commands respect. For no one goes out and wins eight gold medals without a lot of hard work...and perhaps some natural abilities as well. They say that if you were to construct the perfect swimmer he would be built like Michael Phelps. It is said that his torso and long arms help him glide in the water, while his shorter legs and big feet help to generate powerful kicks. Not to mention his big hands which act like paddles and help to secure victories that come down to thousandths of a second (100 fly race). So not only did Micheal's willingness and "yes" to swimming play a big role in eight gold medals, but it was also the great genetics that he was given from the moment of conception.

Now please do not think that for any second that I am comparing the birth of Michael Phelps to our Blessed Mother, because there is no comparison. I am simply using him as an example to show that God has a plan for each of us. We are all given the gifts and the grace that we need, and we are each made for a purpose. Our Blessed Mother had the second most important role in this world, and that was to carry and care for our savior. I cannot imagine what it would take to find out that your role is to carry and care for the Son of God. It takes a very special person to accept and take on that role. That is why God chose Mary from the beginning and gave her the grace that she needed. We have much to be thankful for from the birth of Mary. For it is through her that we are given our Lord and Savior, and therefore given life.

Let us honor our Mother this day and follow her example of saying yes to the Lord. Let us also turn to our Blessed Mother through the Rosary so that we might draw closer to her Son Jesus.

Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.