Saint of the Day
Blessed Virgin Mary
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on September 8, commemorates the birth of Mary to Joachim and Anne. Though not recorded in Scripture, this feast reflects the Church's conviction that Mary's birth was itself a moment of salvation history — nine months after her Immaculate Conception on December 8. She is honored as the dawn before the sunrise of Christ.
Scripture Reading
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Reflection
Before there was a birth, there was a birth announcement. Before there was a cross, there was a cradle. And before there was a cradle, there was a woman chosen in obscurity to carry the hope of the world. On the feast of Mary's birth, we celebrate the beginning of the beginning — the entrance into history of the one through whom God would enter it himself.
Prayer for Today
Most Holy God, in your word we read so many stories about the ones you have protected as they left home in search of a better life. Your servant Ruth said, Your people will be my people, your God, my God. You loved her and found a place for her in Israel. Scripture inspires us to strive for greater hospitality to the poor, the weak and strangers.
You have blessed us with dreamers who arrived here as children and today seek a way to make their contribution to our common life. We pray for them now. We pray that they will be allowed to work, study and live in safety. We pray that those in authority may turn away from the demons of prejudice, fear and scarcity, that they will set their hearts on acts of mercy. We pray that you will give us vision and inspire our concrete actions as we seek to realize our goal of liberty and justice for all.
May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
You have blessed us with dreamers who arrived here as children and today seek a way to make their contribution to our common life. We pray for them now. We pray that they will be allowed to work, study and live in safety. We pray that those in authority may turn away from the demons of prejudice, fear and scarcity, that they will set their hearts on acts of mercy. We pray that you will give us vision and inspire our concrete actions as we seek to realize our goal of liberty and justice for all.
May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Amen.