Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint of the day for 8 September

Da Paolo Tessione - September 8, 2020

The story of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Church has celebrated the birth of Mary since at least the 8th century. A birth in September was chosen because the Eastern Church begins its liturgical year with September. The date of 8 September helped to determine the date for the feast of the Immaculate Conception on XNUMX December.

Scripture does not provide an account of Mary's birth. However, James' apocryphal Protoevangelium fills the void. This work has no historical value, but reflects the development of Christian piety. According to this account, Anna and Joachim are sterile but pray for a child. They receive the promise of a child who will advance God's plan of salvation for the world. Such a story, like many Biblical counterparts, emphasizes God's special presence in Mary's life from the very beginning.

St. Augustine connects the birth of Mary with the saving work of Jesus. He tells the earth to rejoice and shine in the light of his birth. “She is the flower of the field from which the precious lily of the valley has blossomed. With his birth the nature inherited from our first parents changed “. The opening prayer of the Mass speaks of the birth of the Son of Mary as the dawn of our salvation and asks for an increase in peace.

Reflection
We can see every human birth as a call for new hope in the world. The love of two human beings joined God in his creative work. Loving parents have shown hope in a world full of troubles. The new baby has the potential to be a channel of God's love and peace for the world.

All of this is beautifully true in Mary. If Jesus is the perfect expression of God's love, Mary is the harbinger of that love. If Jesus brought the fullness of salvation, Mary is his rising.

Birthday parties bring happiness to the celebrant as well as to family and friends. After the birth of Jesus, the birth of Mary offers the world the greatest possible happiness. Whenever we celebrate his birth, we can confidently hope for an increase in peace in our hearts and in the world at large.