8 September 2020 - The Nativity of the Blessing Virgin Mary - Matthew 1:18-23

      Today we celebrate the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  I thought it would be nice to hear the readings that are particular for this feast day.  I love looking at the history of things, even though it seems like in today era history is under attack and people are trying to erase history or to emphasize all that is bad in history without recognizing the good.  The Church has celebrated Mary’s birth since at least the sixth century. The month of September was chose to celebrate Mary’s birth because the Eastern Church begins its Church year with September. The date of September 8 helped determine the date for the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.  It is interesting for us to note that Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s birth.  It is also interesting to note that there was a Gospel of James that was not accepted into the canon of Scripture that addresses a lot events regarding Jesus birth.  It is , Mary’s parents Anne and Joachim are unable to conceive a child, but pray to God for the gift of a child. They receive the promise of a child who will advance God’s plan of salvation for the world. This account puts emphasis on the presence of God in Mary’s life from the beginning.  Back on August 28 we celebrated the feast day of St Augustine.  Augustine connects Mary’s birth with Jesus’ saving work.  Augustine tells the earth to rejoice and shine forth in the light of her birth. Augustine writes: “(Mary) is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.”  Thus, it is appropriate that we hear an account from Jesus’ birth narrative in the Gospel today, of the angel coming to Joseph, since Mary, her life, and her birth are so intrinsically linked to Jesus.  The collect prayer at the beginning of mass today spoke of Mary brining forth the dawning of salvation in Jesus’ birth and a prayer for the gift of deeper peace in our world.  What wonderful thoughts for us to ponder today as we celebrate Mary’s nativity.