Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The prophet Micah speaks of a small, humble place, Bethlehem, chosen by God to be the birthplace of the One who will shepherd His people. This prophecy, spoken centuries before Christ’s birth, already held within it the hidden joy of today’s feast: the birth of his mother, Mary.

Mary’s nativity is not just the beginning of her own story; it is the dawn of our redemption. Her life was a quiet preparation for the coming of Jesus. Every heartbeat, every breath, every simple act of love she offered was ordered toward her “yes” to God. She became the living tabernacle, carrying within her the Bread of Life.

When we come to the Eucharist, we are invited into the same mystery. Just as Mary bore Jesus physically, we are called to bear him spiritually to the world. The humility of Bethlehem, the purity of Mary’s heart, and the shepherding love of Christ all converge here, at the altar, where God chooses the humble gifts of bread and wine to become his Body and Blood.

Today, as we honor Mary’s birth, let us also honor her example: to say “yes” to God with trust, to carry Christ in our hearts, and to offer ourselves entirely to his will. The same Jesus who came into the world through Mary comes to us in the Eucharist, quietly, humbly, and with the power to change everything.

Let Us Pray:

Lord Jesus, as we celebrate the birth of Your Mother, grant us her purity of heart and willingness to say “yes” to Your will. May our lives, nourished by Your Eucharistic Presence, bring You into the world as she did. Amen.