Mt 1:1-16, 18-23
16Jacob [became] the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.
18Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. 19Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.
20Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,/ and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”
Reflection:
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. We are celebrating Mama Mary’s birthday. Yet the Gospel is on how Jesus was born. Aside from our own birthday, we also mark the days we give birth to a son or a project or a dream. Our birth is not always the real score. What may be more important is what transpires before the birthday and afterwards. Before Jesus’ birth, the doubts and fears of Mary and Joseph are met by their surrender to God. Then after Jesus’ birth, the highlight is the patient and quiet keeping of things in Mary’s heart. These are the real birthmarks of Mary. Jesus, the Son of God and her Son, gives her birthday its true significance.
Say two Rosaries with fervor today.