HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA MARY

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Matthew 1:23

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel…

I would always tease my daughter whenever her birthday is upcoming (which by the way, was last Wednesday – Sept. 3). I would tell her that a presidential decree was announced declaring that September 3 is officially stricken out of the calendar. So, no more September 3. Instead of arguing that it is not true, she would just remark that we can always celebrate her birthday on the 2^nd or on the 4^th. For her, the exact date doesn’t matter as long as we celebrate the most important date in her life. The day when the Lord God has given her a chance in life and be given a purpose for living.

Today, we celebrate the birthday of Mama Mary. She was the Mother of God in his human nature. This special role of Mary in salvation history is clearly depicted in the Gospel in which she is seen constantly at her son’s side. Because of this role exemplified by her acceptance of Christ into her womb, her offering of Him to God at the Temple, her search for Him ‘til she found Him in the temple, her urging him to perform His first miracle in Cana, and her standing at the foot of the Cross at Calvary, Mary has joined fully in the sacrifice by Christ himself.

Since her immaculate conception, Mama Mary was already destined to be great and be the mother of the greatest One. It is not anymore important whether we celebrate on the 8^th, or on the 9^th or in July. What is important now is that in Mama Mary’s birth, God has given her a chance in life to be the mother of our Lord. A chance that was not given to anyone before, is not being given to anyone now and will not anymore be given to anyone in the future. She is our obedient mother, the queen of heaven and earth.

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary! We are indeed very thankful to God for giving us a perfect Mother. Mama Mary, please continue to pray for your children, for the many times we are not worthy in the presence of God because of our sins and wickedness. Thank you for the comfort that you give whenever I ask it from you. Thank you for being with me always, praying with me to God the Father for all my needs. You are a perfect creation of God. In you, God shows how much He loves us.

With delight I rejoice in the Lord.