Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings: 1^st: Mi I 5:1-4; Ps: 13; Gos: Mt 1:1-16.18-23

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today, the Tuesday of the twenty third week of ordinary time, the Church celebrates the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This feast is celebrated on September 8 every year. It is an immovable feast that commemorates the birth of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Today’s gospel is on the genealogy of Christ. In it, Matthew mentions only five women among the ancestors of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, the wife of Uriah and Mary.

The listing of the name of Mary in this genealogy, is an indication of her important role in the history of our salvation. So, like the birth of Christ, her birth was equally a gift to our world.

As we celebrate her nativity today, our sentiments should be that of gratitude, appreciation, and admiration. We are grateful to her for her love and affection.  

We should be grateful to her, for her role in the history of or our salvation, and the innumerable sacrifices she made for our sake.

Her noble qualities include humility, gentleness, dedication, love, patience, sensitivity, generosity, courage, trust and faith.

On her birthday, what gift or tribute should we offer her? The greatest gift we can offer her is to emulate her good example and noble qualities.

Mary is a role model for all of us who love God, and trust in his divine providence. Her courage and boldness come from her trust in God.

Today Paul reminds us: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).

Indeed, from her birth Mary was called according to God’s purpose. She responded and cooperated fully to with that purpose: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your will” (Lk 1:38).

Holy Mary Mother of God, Pray for Us!

Peace be with you all.

Maranatha!