The Nativity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, Feast - Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
This
Gospel begins with the words: “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came
about.” Matthew then details the story of Mary’s betrothal to Joseph and the
appearance of the angel announcing to Mary that she would bear a child.
However, Mary’s child would be not conceived with Joseph, her spouse. Mary must
have had a loving and trusting relationship with God long before the angel
appeared to her and announced this good news, because she accepted the angel’s
announcement without hesitation.
Mary is a
model for us. Mary knew God and she trusted God. She was willing to place
herself in a very awkward position when she responded to God’s call to bear
God’s Son. She did not know how this would come about. Nor did she know what
her future would be, but she did not hesitate in her response to the angel. She
didn’t say to the angel: “I need to think about this and pray about this.” She
simply said: “Let it be done to me.” Would we have such faith if an angel
appeared to us and made such an astounding announcement to us?
Each one
of us is called to bear Jesus Christ to our world every single day. Do we do
believe that God can and will do amazing deeds through us? Do we trust that God
walks with us each and every day, in good times and in difficult times?
Mary was
chosen by God. However, we also have been chosen by God! Ask yourself: Do I
truly believe this? Take some time today to sit quietly and several times say
to yourself: “I am God’s chosen one.” Repeat that sentence several times and
let this reality soak into your being!
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