Daily Catholic Lectio
Sun, 8 Sep 2024
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni
Micah 5:1-4. Romans 8:28-30. Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23.
Unfolding of purpose
Our Mother Church celebrates the birthdays of the three persons: birthday of Jesus Christ (Dec 25), birth of John the Baptist, forerunner of Christ (June 24), and birth of Mary, his mother (Sep 8). In India we celebrate this day as the feast of Our Lady of Good Health, Our Lady of Vailankanni.
Birth of a child makes us rejoice. Birth of Mary doubles our joy. For, it is through her that God willed His son to be born.
In the first reading, the prophet Micah speaks of a time when a ruler will come from Bethlehem, a small and insignificant place, who will shepherd God’s people and bring peace. This prophecy points directly to the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. But before this promise is fulfilled, the world had to wait in anticipation. In this time of waiting, God was already preparing the way by choosing Mary to play an irreplaceable role.
Though Mary herself was humble and seemingly insignificant in the eyes of the world, she was chosen by God to bring forth the Saviour. Like Bethlehem, Mary represents the lowly and humble whom God lifts up for His greater purpose. Through her, the Good Shepherd was born, the one who would gather all people to Himself.
In the second reading, Paul reminds us that all things work for good for those who love God, and that we are called according to His purpose. Mary’s entire life was an unfolding of this divine purpose. From her immaculate conception to her role as the Mother of God, every moment of her life was guided by God’s hand.
God foreknew and predestined Mary to be conformed to the image of His Son. Her cooperation with God’s plan, especially at the Annunciation when she said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord,” is a model for each one of us. Mary teaches us that when we align our will with God’s, His grace can work through us in ways we might never imagine.
The gospel reading has two parts. In the first part we read the genealogy of Jesus according to Matthew. Matthew presents Jesus as Son of David, and Son of Abraham. Mary finds a place in the genealogical table of Jesus.
How is Mary’s birthday significant to us?
(a) Our birth has a purpose. Mary’s purpose was revealed to her. But, we need to find it on our own.
(b) When our goal is aligned with God’s purpose the Holy Spirit synergizes with us. We are born in this world as a part of a great generation tide. Everyone has a place in the tide.
(c) When the higher things come, we need to let go of the lower things.
Three lessons for us:
(a) Trust in God’s Providence: Mary’s life, from her birth, was a testament to trusting in God’s providence. Even though she may not have fully understood the path her life would take, she remained faithful and obedient to God’s will. Her trust invites us to cultivate a similar faith in our own lives, believing that God has a plan for each of us, even when we cannot see the full picture.
(b) The Importance of Saying ‘Yes’ to God: The Nativity of Mary reminds us that our own willingness to say ‘yes’ to God in the daily moments of life prepares us for the larger calls He has in store. Like Mary, we are invited to respond generously and faithfully to whatever God asks of us, trusting that our ‘yes’ can be a part of His greater plan of salvation.
(c) God’s Plan Unfolds Gradually: The Nativity of Mary reminds us that God’s plans unfold over time and often in ways we may not immediately understand. Mary’s birth set the stage for the Incarnation, but the full realization of her role in salvation history would come years later. This teaches us patience and trust in God’s timing. Even when we do not see immediate results, we must remain faithful, knowing that God’s plan is gradually being fulfilled in His perfect timing.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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