Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Gospel

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 we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the birthday of our Blessed Mother. What a special day! Mary entered the world without the stain of original sin, also known as the immaculate conception. She carried this grace throughout her life, preparing and allowing for the incarnation to take place. Her “yes” to God made possible the birth of our Savior and opened the path of redemption for all of us...“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us'”. How special that in Mary, God did not simply prepare a mother for His Son, but also a mother for the whole Church. Anytime we feel uncertain let us be comforted in knowing Mary our mother is always there for us ready to lead us back to Her son.