Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

READINGS

Reading 1 Romans 8:28-30

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.

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

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

St. Anne and St Joachim in their old age conceived a child who was to become the Mother of Jesus, "Emmanuel, "God is with us."

The child was named Mary. She was destined to bear God's Son, the Messiah. From her birth, Anne and Joachim decided she would be dedicated to God. They vowed to present her to the temple on her third birthday. Mary was "full of grace" and virtues as God intended her to be. As she grew and worked in the temple, she did everything as an offering of love to Almighty God.

When Mary turned 13, the Lord informed the Priest that she should marry. This was a test, as she had dedicated herself to the Lord and vowed to remain a virgin. Mary complied. The Priest then summoned the most pious men to the temple and gave each a staff. One man, named Joseph, felt unworthy of marrying Mary, having also vowed to remain chaste. As the men prayed, Joseph's staff blossomed, and a white dove settled on his head.

The Priest declared that Joseph would be Mary's husband.

Isaiah foretold Mary's purpose, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us."

Let us offer prayers of gratitude to the Holy Trinity for the wonderful plan of our salvation.

Let us pray the Angelus in honor of Our Blessed Virgin Mary.

References

The Mystical City of God, by Venerable Mary Agreda