The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 8, 2004
Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Micah 5:1-4 or Romans 8:28-30
Psalm 13:6
Matthew 1:1-16,18-23 or 1:18-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

She was found with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18)

As the Church year progresses, we become more aware of the careful attention to detail in God's plan for bringing salvation to humanity. This past December 8th we celebrated the Feast of Mary's Immaculate Conception, the very start of her life within her mother's womb. God willed that from the time of her conception she was to be pure and sinless, a vessel worthy of bearing God's Son, His Christ, into this world in her own human flesh. Today we celebrate the actual birth of this unique person to whom God had granted remission of human sin from the very outset of her life.

Her uniqueness is further demonstrated at the Angel's Annuunciation to her of God's call. She responded, "yes" with a total trust possible only from one who had developed through prayer a deep knowledge of and love for God. Her affirmative reply, in the context of her day, could expose her to great danger. Not only might Joseph, to whom she was espoused, bring her great shame by claiming she had betrayed him and so broken their betrothal; but should he publicly reveal her condition, she could be put to death for a presumed serious sin.

However, God had also prepared Joseph's heart to be kind, merciful and forgiving. He too was a man deeply imbued by God's love and compassion; for those who are close to God and who have seen their own sins in God's holy light, are not judgemental nor vengeful. His faith in God enabled him to believe the dream that revealed the truth of Mary's condition. The sincere, humble and singlehearted lovers of God are not prone to making rash decisions that bring disgrace or harm to others.

Merciful Father,
draw us deeply into your heart.
Teach us to participate
in your abiding and unconditional love
and so enable us to become true peacemakers in this world.
Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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posted by joachim at 5:29 AM