REFLECTIONS TODAY
In order of importance, the Marian solemnities come first – the Immaculate Conception (December 8), Divine Motherhood (January 1), and the Assumption (August 15). Next to the solemnities are the feasts – celebrations that commemorate salvific events in which the Blessed Virgin Mary was closely associated with Jesus, her Son. Here belongs today’s celebration of the Nativity of Mary.
The spirit of the feast is described by St. Paul VI as “the hope of the entire world and the dawn of salvation.” In this vein, St. John Paul II speaks of Mary as a true “Morning Star” (Stella Matutina). For just as this star, together with the “dawn,” precedes the rising of the sun, so Mary’s existence on earth precedes the coming of the Savior, the rising of the “Sun of Justice” in the history of the human race.
The Gospel reading relates the annunciation to Joseph. Although not present in the scene, Mary is the focus of the angel’s message. The angel assures Joseph that Mary’s pregnancy is not due to her unfaithfulness, but to the fact that she had been chosen to bear the Savior. In her the prophetic oracle is at last fulfilled: “The virgin shall be with child and bear a son.” Her son will be “Emmanuel,” not just symbolically but in reality.
As we celebrate the appearance of the Stella Matutina, let us remember that Mary has since become the “Star of the New Evangelization.” To the people of God who begin a new stage of the journey in the new century, St. John Paul II once again points to Mary as the radiant dawn and sure guide for our steps.
Gospel • Matthew 1:18-23
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a Son and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall name Him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.