The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Feast)

We know that everyone has a birthday. The Bible doesn’t say anything about Mary’s birth, but we know that she was born. Like all parents, Mary’s parents—we call them Joachim and Ann—probably took one look at their newborn daughter and knew that she was special.

Joachim and Ann loved God very much, and they were filled with gratitude to God for the gift of a child. They raised Mary as a child of God, teaching her to love and serve God. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that she had been chosen to be the Mother of Jesus, she already had great faith in God. Her strong faith and trust allowed her to say yes to God’s plan for her. We cannot be certain what the future holds for any newborn infant, but we do know that the life of each person has meaning and purpose. When Mary was born, the world did not know who she was. Sometimes others—and maybe even you—don’t see how special you are. Maybe you forget that God is calling you, too, right now, to do what Mary did—to bring Jesus into the world.

When we celebrate his mother’s birth, we honor Jesus too. Today thank God for the gift of life, and give honor to both Mary and Jesus by showing respect and concern for one another—remembering that God has created each person with love and with a call to something very special in life.

from Saints and Feast Days by Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio

Image credit: The Birth of the Virgin by Giotto, 14th century. Public Domain via Wikimedia.