MONDAY, TWENTY THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
Mi 5: 1-4 or Rom 8: 28-30 Ps 13: 6 Mt 1: 1-16, 18-23
MARY: CHOSEN FOR GOD’S PURPOSE
Today’s liturgy presents two choices for the First Reading. The first is from prophet Micah. The prophet has been speaking against the rulers of Israel who are paying dearly for their sinful ways. In today’s passage he is speaking of the restoration of Israel through a Messiah.
Prophet Micah announces the coming of the Lord of Israel who will come forth from Bethlehem of Judah. The Mother of the Messiah, presented as one about to give birth, will give life to the prince and pastor of the house of David who will bring justice and peace. She will work with the Messiah to bring forth a new people.
The second choice of the reading is from Romans. Paul speaks of how all are picked out specially by God. “We know that everything works together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose”. This is an important statement. We see it in Mary’s acceptance of the angel’s invitation, even though she did not fully understand its implications at that time.
Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus traces his lineage from Abraham, the father of God’s chosen people, through the line of David, King of Israel. Jesus the Messiah is the direct descent of Abraham and David, and the rightful heir to David’s throne. God in his mercy fulfilled his promises to Abraham and to David that he would send a Saviour and a King to rule over the house of Israel and to deliver them from their enemies.
Today, as we celebrate the birthday of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our own Mother, who is our special advocate with her Son, let us pray that her intercessions may earn us the favours we ask of God!
Response: I will greatly rejoice in the Lord.
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