Readings: Micah 5:1-4, Ps. 13:6-7, Matthew 1:1-16,18-23
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2)
One clear thing from today’s readings is that God does not act arbitrarily. He plans and adequately prepares everything for his plans to come to pass. As God said to Jeremiah, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
God already had Mary in mind for hundreds of years before Christ was born. God had already planned that His Son would be born of a virgin. This is what Micah proclaimed in today’s first reading. In saying that this great ruler’s origin is “from of old, from ancient days”, Micah implied that the ruler would have no human father and, simultaneously, He would be brought forth (delivered) by a woman.
As we hear in the conclusion of today’s Gospel passage, “All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’ (Matthew 1:23).
We are not celebrating Mary’s birthday because God chose her. We are celebrating her birthday today because she accepted God’s plan for her life. She said “Yes” to God. Like Mary, God will do great things in you and for you if only you would say “Yes” to Him; if only you would walk according to His Commands and obey His Words.
Mary is not a goddess; she is a woman whose life inspires anyone who wants to follow God. She is a human example of what it means to be a Christian. Say ‘Yes’ to God. Let God have His way in your life; generations to come will honour you.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may our lives be blessings to humanity, so much so that our birthdays will be celebrated after my death. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Feast. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Micah 5:1-4, Ps. 13:6-7, Matthew 1:1-16,18-23)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu