Feast of the Nativity of Mary (Year B)

Feast of the Nativity of Mary September 08, 2024

Rom. 8:28-30 or Mic. 5:2-5; Mt. 1, 1-16, 18-23

(image courtesy: Google)

One night a man went to a friend’s house and told St Mother Theresa that there was a family with eight children. They have not eaten for days.  So they took some food and went to the family. They were shocked when they saw the family and the faces of those little children disfigured by hunger. There was no sorrow or sadness in their faces, just the deep pain of hunger. They gave the mother rice and other food. She divided it in two, and went out, carrying half the food with her. When she came back they asked her where she went with that food.  She gave them this simple answer she went to their neighbours who were hungry also.

Today we are celebrating the Feast of the Birth of Mary. This Feast provides us with an occasion for praise and thanksgiving in honour of the personal sanctity and vocation of Mary as the mother of Jesus. There is nothing contained in Scripture about the birth of Mary or her parentage, though Joseph's lineage is given in the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. The names of Mary's parents, Joachim and Anna, appear in the apocryphal Gospel of James, a book dating from the 2nd Century AD, not part of the authentic canon of Scripture. According to this account, Joachim and Anna were also beyond the years of child-bearing but prayed and fasted that God would grant their desire for a child.  God listened to their prayers and granted them the child. According to tradition, the house where Mary was born in Nazareth is the same one where the Annunciation took place.  Then she was offered in God's holy temple and remained there, showing to all a great example of zeal and holiness, withdrawn from frivolous society.

Today, we gather to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a feast that invites us to reflect on the significance of her birth and the role she plays in our salvation history. The Church honors Mary not only as the Mother of God but also as a model of faith, humility, and obedience. As we delve into the readings and the themes of this feast, let us open our hearts to the lessons that Mary’s life offers us.

In the Gospel reading from Matthew (Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23), we are reminded of Mary’s lineage and her role in the genealogy of Jesus. This genealogy is not merely a list of names; it is a testament to God’s faithfulness throughout generations. It shows us that God works through history, through families, and through individuals to bring about His purposes. Mary’s inclusion in this lineage signifies her importance in the story of salvation. She is not just a passive participant; she actively responds to God’s call with faith and courage.

As we reflect on Mary’s birth, we are also called to consider the virtues she exemplifies. One of the most striking aspects of Mary’s life is her unwavering faith. When the angel Gabriel announced to her that she would conceive the Son of God, her response was one of trust: “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). This profound act of faith is a model for us. In our own lives, we are often faced with uncertainties and challenges. Like Mary, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when we do not fully understand it.

Mary’s humility is another virtue that stands out. She does not seek glory or recognition; instead, she embraces her role with grace and simplicity. In a world that often values power and status, Mary teaches us the importance of humility. She reminds us that true greatness lies in serving others and being open to God’s will. As we celebrate her birth, let us ask ourselves: How can we cultivate humility in our own lives? How can we serve those around us with love and compassion?

Moreover, Mary’s life is a testament to the power of love. Her love for her Son, Jesus, is evident throughout the Gospels. From the moment of His conception to His crucifixion, Mary’s love is unwavering. She stands by Him in His moments of joy and sorrow, offering her support and presence. As we reflect on her love, we are reminded of our call to love one another. In a world that can often feel divided and fractured, let us strive to be instruments of God’s love, reaching out to those in need and fostering unity within our communities.

As we celebrate the Nativity of Mary, we also recognize her role as our intercessor. Mary is not only the Mother of Jesus but also our Mother. She cares for us and intercedes on our behalf. In our prayers, we can turn to her with confidence, knowing that she understands our struggles and desires. Let us ask for her guidance and support as we navigate the challenges of our lives.

In conclusion, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a celebration of hope, faith, and love. It invites us to reflect on the profound impact that one life can have on the world. Mary’s birth marks the beginning of a journey that leads to the Incarnation of Christ, a journey that continues to inspire and guide us today. As we honour her today, let us strive to emulate her virtues of faith, humility, and love in our own lives. May we, like Mary, respond to God’s call with open hearts, trusting in His divine plan for us.

Let us pray that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may grow in our faith and become more like her in our love for God and one another.

Happy Feast