Feast of the Birth of Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings:
Micah 5:1-4
Matthew 1:1-16,18-23
Reflection:
Some of these Old Testament texts appear as confusing but we need to be reminded of the enlightenment that comes from these texts. Slowly, they reveal the growing awareness of God. From a people of fear demanding God do this and that to appease God, leading to a personal relationship with God. A relationship where there is meaning and this awareness of God brings about an understating and belief that God is travelling with us; he cares about us and wants us to be with him.
The reading from the prophet Micah could suggest that these verses show that one day, the Messiah would come and be born in Bethlehem. That this messiah would be rejected, and so the destiny of the lineage of Matthew’s gospel is seen as a litany of people who bring about the moment where God enters human history and the significant place that Mary is led to.
Mary and Joseph set about on a journey learning what God has done and in humility, accepting that this Jesus will be the one who brings a new understanding of God and his relationship with his people. We will see the significance of this Jesus and his relationship with God. The word ‘Immanuel’ is not used light it is full of meaning and intent. “God with us”.
So, as we remember this birthday, remember the significance of the relationship between Jesus and God and that Mary will show through her life and love the way of the disciples. One sees in and through her the journey of faith, service, compassion and the reality that God is with us!
Paul Traynor is married to Clare and has two children Sam and Lucy. He lives in Greytown which is in the Wairarapa Region on the North Island of New Zealand. Paul is currently working as the National Passionist Family Groups Coordinator for Aotearoa, New Zealand.