Happy Birthday to the Blessed Mother!
Today the Church celebrates the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On December 8, we honored her Immaculate Conception – that unique grace of God that preserved her from all stain of sin from the first moment of her existence in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. Nine months later, on September 8, we celebrate Mary’s birthday.
We might think of Mary’s sinlessness as something that makes her very different and distant from us. But I think just the opposite is true.
Think of Mary as being “immune” to sin. Someone without that immunity must be very careful not to expose themselves to the deadly disease of temptation. But one who is “immune”, can enter in and courageously care for even those most wounded and afflicted. And so we call Mary “Refuge of Sinners.” No matter how profound the wounds of our sin, she is not afraid to meet us there and point us back to her Son and his saving grace.
Or think of Mary as having “perfect pitch”. She can hear the song of God’s love in our lives exactly as it’s meant to be sung. And when something is off pitch, she helps us tune the instrument of our hearts and minds to the loving will of God. As “Mother of Divine Grace”, Mary assists us so that our lives ring out to glorify God ever more perfectly.
Another title of Mary is “Cause of our Joy.” That’s an easy one to understand. She always and only leads us to Jesus, who alone is our life and our joy.
Our religious education children will have a little celebration today for Mary’s birthday. Perhaps you can also celebrate. You might pray this Litany of Loreto, which includes many other titles given to Mary throughout the ages. One of these titles may echo your own relationship with Mary in your life. Or it may puzzle you, and lead you to study just what it is supposed to mean.
But most of all, you can honor Mary by letting the grace of her Son pour healing grace wherever it is most needed in your life today. You can offer your own song of praise to God – like Mary’s Magnificat – for his mighty works in your life. And you can share with her the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as your God your Savior.
Fr. Tom
