Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings for Wednesday September 8, 2010

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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


Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified. (Rom. 8:28-30)

Today we celebrate the the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our mother and Queen of Heaven. We know that from the beginning that God had a special plan for Mary. She was to be born "full of grace" and to be the special one chosen as mother of our Lord. Mary was called according to God's special purpose, and today we remember Mary's special place in God's plan. Mary not only reminds us to know her son more deeply, but also reminds us that God has a special plan for each of us. We each have a purpose in this life, and God has a special plan for each of us, just as He did (and still does) for Mary. The question is, are we open to God's plan? We know that Mary certainly was. When the angel Gabriel came to her and told her that she would be the Mother of God, she didn't ask for time to think it over or say, "well if you can't find anyone else then I guess I'll do it." No, Mary said; "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (Lk 1:38) Mary shows us that God will not force His plan upon us, it is up to us to cooperate with God and say "yes."

Mary's role in this world is the same now as it was before, bring people closer to Jesus. God gave us Mary to be both our Queen and Mother, she is always there seeking to bring us closer to her son, and ready to pray for us whenever we are in need. God never abandons His people; He does not simply say "follow me, and good luck!" He gives us the angels to help protect us from evil, He allows the saints in heaven to pray for us, He sends His Spirit to us when we open ourselves up to Him, and He gives us the Blessed Virgin Mary to bring us closer to Christ.

When you have Mary, you have Jesus. May we all grow in love and devotion to our Blessed Mother.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art 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, to the Son, to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.