Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1. “…all things work for good for those who love God.” Romans 8:28
   
   “…do not be afraid.” Matthew 1:20
   
   Piety
   
   Let us pray: God, you are peace. Grant us today that peace that comes to those who love you. Make us ready to reflect your love to the world through our piety, study and action. And then grant us the courage and heart of a love supreme that we can share with those who truly feel left out. He us to share that love through Jesus, the son of Joseph the carpenter. Amen.
   Study
   
   The week of readings has led us to a feast day in the Church for the celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Throughout this week, we have seen Simon Peter’s mother and others in the people of Nazareth and Capernaum, walk the six steps in this faith journey. All week, we have seen examples of how people have reacted to Jesus coming into their life.
   
   First, we have a close, personal encounter with Jesus.
   Then, Jesus acts in our life somehow.
   We first react based upon truly hearing His word.
   Such deep hearing leads to acceptance (even if not based on conventional wisdom) and faith.
   Acceptance leads to enduring the personal cost and suffering that comes from such acceptance
   Suffering makes us share in Christ’s journey and reflect His image.
   
   According to the notes to the NAB, St. Paul, in the alternate first reading from Romans, tells us of the Christian vocation as it was designed by God. Such a vision leads us to be conformed to the image of Jesus.[1] Like Mary, those whom God chooses are those he foreknew (Romans 8:29) or elected. Those who are called are predestined or predetermined.
   
   But even though God gave Mary and the saints the capacity for great love, they still had to choose to move in the world through that love. They still had to, like Mary, say, “Here I am Lord. I come to do your will.”
   
   Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”
   
   This name does NOT mean “God will be with us.” This is not a future promise. It also does not mean “God used to be with us.” This is not something done yesterday. This is the on-going reality of the church today.
   
   Action
   
   God is with us. Who can possibly be against that?
   
   Today, we can meditate on the ideal as exemplified by Jesus’ mother Mary. “We know that God makes everything work for good for those who love God.” So even though Mary was pregnant before her marriage, the angel said to Joseph to not be afraid and to take Mary into his home, which he did. And then the couple embarked for the census-counting trip to Bethlehem where they found rudimentary housing despite the inns being filled to capacity.
   
   God has made this church work for the past 2006 years and is still with us today.
   
   Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”
   
   This name does NOT mean “God will be with us.” Nor does it mean “God was with us in New Orleans. This is not a future promise. It also does not mean “God used to be with us.” This is not something done yesterday. This is the on-going reality of the church today.
   
   God is with us. Who can possibly be against that? If God is with us, who can possible argue against the Roman Church.
   
   [1] http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/romans/romans8.htm#foot5