The nativity of Mary invites us to rejoice in her whole life
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8, 2020): MI 5:1-4; PS 13:6; MT 1:1-16,18-23
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The Gospel reading for today speaks of Mary in relation to her Son.
Starting in the Eastern Church, this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s birth has been celebrated since the 6th century. There is no reference to the circumstances of her birth in Scripture; however, by way of tradition Mary’s parents are known as Saints Joachim and Anne. They were faithful Jews of the House of David. The Gospel reading for today speaks of Mary in relation to her Son. An angel speaks to Joseph to reassure him that Mary has been specifically chosen to bear Jesus, our Savior. “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” (Matthew 1:20-21).
The nativity of Mary invites us to rejoice in her whole life. Starting with her Immaculate Conception through her Assumption, her time on earth was spent glorifying God – as is her heavenly life. He had chosen her to become the mother of His Son and so He preserved her from original sin. Mary always served the Lord with a generous and humble heart. While the birth of Jesus Christ is honored with great celebration, this is a quiet feast for most Christians. One of her many titles is the New Eve because through her obedience to God’s will the evil that the human race had embraced by the sin of Adam and Eve was conquered by her Son, the Son of God. The joy we know today on Mary’s nativity is a foreshadowing of the wonder of the birth of the Redeemer who would defeat death and save His people in time and eternity. We can make a habit of praying to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother and Queen, and offering the gift of our daily devotion to her and her Son, our King.
