THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
First Reading - Micah 5:1-4
Gospel - Matthew 1:1-16,18-23
Today we celebrate with joy the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the dawn of salvation and the beginning of God’s new creation. Just as the rising sun scatters the night and announces a new day, so the birth of Mary announces the coming of Christ, the true Light of the world.
The prophet Micah foretells that from Bethlehem will come the ruler who will shepherd God’s people and bring them peace. This promise finds its first ray of fulfillment in Mary’s birth. For through her, the humble maiden of Nazareth, God prepared a pure dwelling place for His Son. Her very existence is a sign that God’s plan of salvation is unfolding, and that He works in the simplest, most hidden ways to bring about the greatest of wonders.
The Gospel traces the long history that led to the birth of Jesus, and in its center stands Mary. From a line of kings, prophets, and ordinary men and women, God brings forth the one who would say “yes” in perfect faith. Mary’s “yes” allowed the Word to become flesh, so that God might truly be Emmanuel, God-with-us.
Dear friends, Mary’s birth, then, is not only a moment of joy for her family, but a gift for the entire world. She is born for us, that she might one day give birth to Christ, our Savior. Her life shows us that God’s grace can take root in human weakness, that holiness is possible, and that humility is the path to greatness in God’s eyes.
As we honor her birth, let us also learn from her example. Like Mary, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it is mysterious. Like Mary, we are called to bring Christ into the world through our faith, our love, and our daily choices. And like Mary, we are called to live as signs of hope, reminding others that God is faithful and that His promises never fail.
So today we rejoice: the dawn has broken, the new day of salvation has begun. With Mary’s birth, the world is made ready to receive its Savior. May she, our Mother and our model, intercede for us and lead us always to her Son, Jesus Christ, the light and peace of the world.
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