The Holy Gospel according to Matthew (1:18-23)
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.”
Reflection: Today is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Only the births of Jesus, John the Baptist and the Blessed Mother are celebrated in the Church’s liturgical calendar. All three are very important to the mystery of the incarnation. Jesus, is the Word Incarnate, the Blessed virgin Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, and John the Baptist, the precursor of Jesus. The Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary nine months after her Immaculate Conception, December 8. We remember and celebrate Mary’s birthday because her birthday anticipates the birth of our Savior. We also remember and celebrate because of her “Yes” to the will of God. The Blessed Virgin Mary is our example of the perfect disciple, of following the will of God. We know that we can turn to our Blessed Mother because she understands us. We can pray to her ask for her intercession in all the aspects of our lives. Mary only points and leads us to her Son, Jesus. Her last words recorded in the Scriptures are in John 2:5, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Action for the Day: Today and everyday, may we give thanks to God for the Blessed Virgin Mary, God’s gift to us and to the world.
Audio Reflection:
