Biblical Icons for Family Living - #3

My contribution in the September issue of
DON BOSCO BULLETIN

Happy Birthday Mamma...

Mic 5:1-4a (or) Rom 8:28-30; Mt 1:1-23

The readings chosen for the day do not speak to us directly of Mary... but they have a truth which our Blessed Mother teaches us very strongly. The truth is that of the choice that God has made of us! As St.Paul would say writing to the Ephesians, God chose us in  Christ before the foundations of the world! The Birth of Mary signals in  utter silence the beginning of the climax of God's plan of salvation. No one knew when this girl was born that she was destined to be that woman of whom the son of God will be born in the fullness of time.

That is the mystery we are. We enshrine within  ourselves a marvellous design which we ourselves are not aware of. Mother Mary is a splendid example for us to learn from. From eternity God has chosen us for a particular purpose and each of us has to discern that purpose.

Today as we sing a happy birthday to her, our Blessed Mother will sing to the glory of the Lord for the great things God has done to her. The same things God continues to do for us and wants to do more, but our readiness to surrender and our capacity to ponder in silence are those which matter.