Nativity of Mary

Written by Sr. Rosemary Finnegan, O.P.
Readings from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090820.cfm

When I taught 7th grade, one of my favorite activities that we did near Christmas time with the students was to have them share the story of the day they were born, as told to them by their parents. One boy shared he was so tiny he was in an incubator for weeks; another was born in Germany on a military base, yet another was almost born in the car enroute to the hospital. My favorite, though, was from the boy who loved telling how upset his mother was with his Dad on his day of birth. As the story goes, when parents and baby were finally settled in the hospital room after a lengthy labor and delivery, the phone rang and Dad answered and told the caller right away how tired he was because the labor was so long! Hopefully, you know something about your birth and all the joy, excitement and circumstances that surrounded your arrival.

Today the church gives us the wonderful opportunity to reflect on Mary’s day of birth and to give thanks for this very special occasion that is immensely significant to the whole of our salvation history. We don’t know much about Mary’s birth and early life, but ancient writings tell us her parents were Joachim and Anne, an older couple who were childless. God intervened and to their delight, they conceived this child who, from that first moment of life, was specially consecrated and elected by God.  She was Mary, and she was full of grace. Not only must her parents have been exuberant with joy beyond measure on her day of birth because of their miracle child, but all of creation and in heaven rejoiced at the reality of God’s promise of a Savior coming to be as well. In God’s unfolding plan, Mary’s day of birth marked the moment when Christ would become in due time the long-awaited hope fulfilled. Through Mary, Christ would one day dwell among us, be one of us, and one with us.

What would you imagine the day of Mary’s birth was like? Did the sun shine all day?  Did neighbors and relatives stop by with gifts? Was the news of Mary’s arrival a topic of happy talk at the market that day?

What really matters is that her birth was the beginning of a better world. She's the one who was chosen for Our Lord and for us. She was predestined by God, called by God, and chosen for a special role in salvation. Mary was called to be that one who would be the Christ-bearer. At the Annunciation when she was given that choice, she responded with a full and affirming heart. From the day of her birth, everything about Mary and her life, both her joys and her sufferings, pointed to our Lord, her Son. She shows us the way to Christ and beckons us each day to share his message.

So on this day, let us thank God for Mary’s life, her ‘yes’, her faith and her example.  Because of her, we have Jesus.  Because of her, we see by her example what it means to be a disciple. Because of her, we have a strong and compassionate spiritual mother who will always be praying for us, her beloved children.