HOMILY FOR THE NATIVITY/BIRTHDAY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (FEAST) 8th September 2022

THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (FEAST)

Micah 5:1-4; Matthew 1:1-16,18-23

Today the Holy Mother Church, echoing the words of the Psalmist (Psalm 12(13):6-7): "exult for joy in the Lord", invites us to celebrate with profound contentment the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The one of whom was born the sun of justice, Christ Jesus our Lord (entrance antiphon). The morning star that announces the rising of the Sun of Righteousness. The one whose nativity brings deeper peace to those for whom the birth of her son was the dawning of salvation (opening prayer). The one whose nativity was the hope and daybreak of salvation (communion prayer).

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, the birth of a child reigns joy and gladness in the family. It is a pleasant sign that God still loves the world and is present to the world. Over 2000 years ago, God gave a special gift to humanity, a special gift to the Church. One who became the Mother of the Church and the Mother of us all. She was conceived and birthed without original sin and remained free from actual sin at any point of her life. Highly favoured from the Lord God, she became an exemplary model of faith, hope, love of God and neighbour. Submitting her self as an oblation to the plans and projects of God. Mary, as a virgin, conceived in her womb the Son of the Most High God, and remained a virgin throughout her life. At the end of her earthly existence she was assumed into heaven, body and soul, where she holds a secured place as the greatest of the saints and the queen of heaven and earth. There she became for her spiritual children, the Spiritual Mother who intercedes for us all before God our Father.

Friends in Christ, the Jews are known for keeping both at home and in the public records within the domain of the sanhedrin, a careful documentation of their genoelogy, so as to designate over the years that through their veins ran pure Jewish blood. Hence, according to the Gospel reading of today, St. Matthew wants to tell us that according to the flesh, Jesus descended from Abraham, and he truly belonged to the prople of Israel, and within the people of Israel, Jesus belonged to the family of David. Hence, we heard the genealogy of Jesus Christ, proceeding from Abraham, through Isaac and Jacob, down to David and then to Jacob, the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah (Mt 1:2-16).

Beloved in Christ, just like our Mother Mary, we are also from God, gifts to our families, the church and the world. The celebration of today invites us to remember that God has his mysterious plans for each one of us. He incessantly guides us mysteriously to our destiny in heaven. Hence, like the Blessed Virgin Mary who gave her Fiat (consent) to the project of God, let us in obedience, give our total submission to the projects of God in our lives. It is worth noting that the Blessed virgin Mary led and ordinary life, she did not work any miracle as it were, she was rather extraordinary in the Ordinary things of life. This speaks volumes, for it is indeed a sign of greatness. We must as well in our Christian lives devolpe the characteristics of silence, simplicity and transparency; we must learn to be as responsible Christians, extraordinary in the Ordinary things of life, in the way we handle the simple matters of life, so that we may share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of God.

We pray this day that as the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, brought so much joy and gladness to the church and the world, may the providence of God, continue to make us instruments of joy, peace and love in our world. Amen

Happy celebration to us all

Fr Remi osj