Reflect today on the fact that Mother Mary is your mother

"Behold, the virgin will be pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel." Matthew 1:23

We all love to celebrate birthdays. Today is our dear mother's birthday party. In December we honor her Immaculate Conception. In January we celebrate her as Mother of God. In August we celebrate her Assumption into Heaven and there are many more days throughout the year when we honor a unique aspect of her life. But today is simply her birthday party!

Celebrating her birthday is a way to celebrate her personality. We celebrate it simply for being itself. We don't necessarily focus on any of the unique, beautiful and profound aspects of his life today. We don't necessarily look at everything he has accomplished, his perfect yes to God, his coronation in heaven, his guess or any other detail. All parts of his life are glorious, beautiful, majestic and worthy of their unique feasts and celebrations.

Today, however, we are simply celebrating our Blessed Mother because she was created and brought into this world by God and this alone is worth celebrating. We honor her simply because we love her and celebrate her birthday as we celebrate the birthday of anyone we love and care.

Reflect today on the fact that Mother Mary is your mother. She really is your mother and her birthday is worth celebrating the same way you would celebrate the birthday of anyone who was a member of your family. Your honoring Mary today is a way to solidify your bond with her and assure her that you want her to be an important part of your life.

Happy birthday, Blessed Mother! We love you dearly!

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Precious Jesus, for the heart of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, our Mother, we trust in You!