BIRTHDAY OF MOTHER MARY 24

BIRTHDAY OF MARY, 08 September Thrust: Nothing little in God’s plan! Indicative: God’s will and designs are always with a purpose and destiny. Ultimately they are oriented to our good and salvation. And Mary has a key role in the accomplishment of this divine plan 1. 08 September marks the birthday of our sweetest Mother Mary. At the very outset, let us salute and felicitate her with a happy birthday wish. As she is our most beloved mother and we are her predilected children, let us rejoice and celebrate this day with exuberant jubilation. 2. Her birthday is salvific. God in His eternal design of salvation already destined her to be the mother of His only Son who would be born of her as the incarnate Saviour. Thus, Mary has had a singular privilege in God’s sight. Thus, her birthday must remind us of our salvation and Mary’s unique role in that. 3. Mary’s birth is already a part of the preparation for and implementation of God’s salvific plan. Of course, every birth is also important and purposive in God’s holy designs. Yes, God has a purpose for everyone being born on this earth. However, Mary’s birth is singular and unequivocal for three reasons that cannot be matched by any other birth. 4. First, her birth indicates her “direct” link and association with God Himself and His plan itself. Secondly, it shows her “direct” role and participation as an incomparable collaborator with His plan of salvation. That is why she is rightly extolled as “co-mediatrix”. Thirdly, her birth indicates her “direct” link with us in the pursuit and attainment of salvation. She is one with us among the saved ones. She is also the guide and supporter for us on the way of salvation. 5. Her birth is a vital assurance, impetus, and strength for all of us that God is eternally concerned about us. That is why He chose Mary and made her the womb of His incarnate Son. She continued to be a spiritual womb, bearing Jesus all through her life. She reminds us that we too must become the abodes and the dwelling places for Jesus. Thereby she assures us of eternal reward. 6. There is also another special note on her birthday. A good number of places celebrate her on her birthday as Our Lady of good health. This is very meaningful and valid. It is because, with her birth, the process of restoring health is decisively set in motion. Sin has cast a mantle of sickness and infirmity over humanity. But God through the birth of Mary begins already decisively to lift off this cover. Her birth is ushering in the health-restoration process. Imperative: Let the birthday of the sweetest Mother Mary not be limited to pious devotions and grand celebrations. Let it be a time of reminder of the purpose of our own birth and a moment to rededicate ourselves