9/8/2011 – Homily for Thursday of 23rd week in ordinary time – Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Matthew 1:18-23

       Today, we come together as a community of faith to celebrate the feast day of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a day that is particularly special because of Mary's role in the history of salvation.  It is so appropriate that we celebrate the Virgin Mary together, since our parish here in Yazoo City is named in her honor.   If you work out the math, today, September 8, is exactly nine months after the date of the Immaculate Conception, which we celebrate on December 8 each year.  Mary's birth to her parents, St. Anne & St. Joachim, is not recorded in the Bible, but we know about this event from the Tradition that has been passed down us by the apostles & the early Church.   In fact, the feast of the birth of Blessed Virgin Mary has been celebrated in our Church since the sixth century. 

         When a new birth comes into the world, it is a sign of great hope.  I was just over at the Women’s hospital in Flowood last week to visit Joe Odum and his wife Phyllis as they welcomed their new little baby girl into the world – Mary Tyndle.  We celebrate with great with Joe and Phyllis on this occasion, with the proud grandparents and great grandparents in our parish.   Not only did the birth of the Virgin Mary bring joy to her parents and her family, but her birth is a sign of hope and new life for us today as we know that the birth of the Virgin Mary will bring about the birth of our Savior into our world. 

        In the Gospel today we hear how the birth of Jesus was announced by an angel into the lives of Mary and Joseph. This reading is very appropriate, because it focuses on the birth of Jesus in Mary’s life.  It is important for us to always remember that we do not honor Mary for her own sake.  Mary never wants to bring attention to herself.  Mary always points us to Jesus; she always helps us grow in our faith, both by the love she shows to us and the example she gives us, as Mary was truly the first disciple.  As we celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary today, may we recognize her not only as the mother of Jesus, but also as the Mother of our Church and the Mother of us all.