Homily Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Homily Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The church has a custom of celebrating both the birth and death of significant persons in salvation history. Many times, these dates are in doubt, which is to be expected.
I have had friends from the third world who have talked about the birth of their parents. Several times I have asked them how old their mother or father was. I was surprised a few times when the friend I was asking could only estimate the age of their parents. Things like birth certificates were not even a possibility in their home countries so all they could do was estimate the age of their parents.
As modern-day Americans we think that a birth is something that must be recorded because it is the law. But other cultures do not enjoy the luxuries that we do. It is not a given that in a poor country, where literacy is not a given and stability is not either, that birth dates, marriage dates, and death dates are going to be recorded somewhere.
Two thousand years ago in the little nation of Israel this was certainly not a given either. We have no idea when Mary was born. Why did we arrive at this date (September 8) to celebrate her birthday? It is because it is nine months after the Feast of Mary’s Immaculate Conception which we commemorate on December 8th.
What we must try to realize is that the exact date is not the important thing. The essential thing is that we realize the important part Mary played in the life of our savior. We all have a destiny to fulfill in this world. Mary’s purpose was to be the mother of Jesus. We remember, once again, that she is our loving mother. She prays for us always.
During this time of crisis, we remember that our country is entrusted to the Immaculate Conception. We ask the Blessed Virgin to intercede for us and to heal the wounds of our nation. She is an intercessor who is most powerful. She is praying with and for us in our moment of need.
Reflection Questions:
- Is it disappointing to me that I do not know the exact day of Mary’s birth? Does that detract from the celebration of that birth?
- Do I believe that I was born of a reason? Why am I here?
Dear Parishioners,
This week we should have three more stained glass windows installed in our church. This project is taking a long time, but we are coming closer to its completion. Thanks again, to all those who have supported this great work.
I remind all those who are going to the hospital that if you want a visit from a priest you must have hospital personnel call Sacred Heart. We will be glad to go to the hospital. We not allowed to go, though, if it is a COVID case.
I feel bad that we cannot give the attention to the sick that they deserve, but all we can do is play by the rules. I will continue to pray for the sick of our parish daily.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints pray for us.
Fr. Mark