Today we observe the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in place of the 16th Sunday After Pentecost under the permission that has been granted by Bishop Mark Beckman. She serves as the principal patroness of the Diocese of Knoxville for this was the day that our diocese was established.
On the liturgical calendar there are three births which we celebrate: Saint John the Baptist on June 24th, Jesus on December 25th, and as we observe today Saint Mary on September 8th.
Usually the memorial of a saint falls on the day of their death. It is through their death that they died and were judged as worthy of Heaven. These three births are important. In the case of John the Baptist he was the precursor to the Lord and pius thought holds that he was born without original sin thanks to the events of the Visitation. The birth of Christ is important for this is God who takes on our human flesh as the pure and spotless lamb that dies in order that we may be redeemed.
Mary’s birth is also important for she is the New Ark of the Covenant which means that her womb contained God in the second person of the Most Holy Trinity. She was that pure and spotless vessel which was chosen by God for this task. As we acknowledge on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is without sin including that of original sin. It is for these reasons that the celebration of this birth becomes so important.
In the words of Saint Paul, “those (God) foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” This reality becomes the purpose of the life of Mary. From her conception and her birth she was forever prepared for this reality. Through her “yes” given to the Archangel Gabriel she further conformed to this image. Her life was lived in service to her Son.
Likewise, through devotion unto her we conform ourself to the image of her Son. All feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary point the way towards this reality. They never detract from her Son as some would falsely claim. As we continue to foster such devotion our heart is formed to give our “yes” unto God in all that we say and do.
Let us continue this celebration of her birth by fostering such devotion in our life in order that we too may choose to live for her Son and thus also be conformed unto Him. Through the growth of such spiritual strength as this we are “able to comprehend with all the saints, what is the breadth, and the length, and height, and depth” of God’s love. It is this love that is abundant and without end; by entering into such a reality we enter into something that we are always able to more intimately conform ourself to.
Holy Mary, Mary of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
