On this 8th day of the month of September we come to celebrate with great joy the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast falls precisely 9 months following the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception which is celebrated on the 8th day of December. This celebration of our Blessed Mother’s birth further prepares the way for the Lord’s coming. With every celebration of Mary we draw close to our Blessed Lord and the mysteries of His life, death, and resurrection. With this in mind may we come to further develop Marian devotion in our life.
It was at the time of Mary’s birth that the whole world was plunged into darkness. Throughout the world sin reigned, but with Mary’s birth a great light began to shine forth for she was born who would usher in the coming of the Messiah. Likewise, we must grow in our Marian devotion for through devotion to her the darkness of sin is pushed away as we begin to more perfectly orient our sight upon Christ.
Our Gospel reminds us that we are sick and that we are in need of the Divine Physician who is Christ our Lord. Ten lepers came to Him in order that they may be healed. Nevertheless, only one of these ten returned to give thanks for this miracle that had been worked. Of this man it was said: “Arise, go thy way; for thy faith hath made thee whole.” This man like the other nine had been healed, but he is the only one who was said to be made whole. His faith in the Lord brought him back to give thanks and here we can see he was not only bodily healed, but his soul came to be healed.
We too need to realize that the Lord is merciful with us. We need to realize that we are sick and He is the Divine Physician who is able to make us whole. We can go through the motions of our faith, but better yet we should practice our faith with the fullest intention which we are able to give. The Sacraments bestow grace upon the receiver, but do we in return truly want to participate with the grace that we are given? This one leper who returned to give thanks to God desired to participate with this divine font of grace.
As those who live in the midst of the world we should fear not to participate in this same font of divine grace. We must be willing to realize that our practice of faith is not a simple check off list, but is to enter into truth itself. When we encounter the sacraments we encounter Christ and His love for us. Do we fathom the great that we have been given or do we take it for granted? I see so many who receive our Blessed Lord in Holy Communion and rush out the door as if they have received nothing of importance. These people are in such a hurry that they forget that the one they have received is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Take not advantage of this Sacrament, but kneel down in trembling and adoration of the great gift that has been given.
