birth or boredom?
"Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah." —Matthew 1:2
The New Testament begins with what many would consider to be repetitious boredom. This person begot that person and so it goes on and on. That is what life was B.C., "before Christ." Without Jesus, life seemed to be the same old stuff with just the names changed. Micah prophesied: "The Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne" (Mi 5:2). The Lord gave us up to a life of misery, frustration, and meaninglessness until she who was to give birth had borne. In the first chapter of Matthew and the New Testament, the name of "Mary" breaks the tedious pattern of life. She is the first indication of a new age.
Even today, after Jesus has already begun the kingdom, many live a B.C. life of boredom. Once again, today's celebration of Mary's birthday is the herald of a new day, of the life of faith which brings meaning and fulfillment to human existence. Today can be a break, a break-through, a beginning, a birth-day. Mary is opening the door. By faith, walk into Jesus' kingdom.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for giving me Your mother. I need her and I love her.
Promise: "We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His decree." —Rm 8:28
Praise: Praise You, O God, for sending forth Your Son, born of Mary, to deliver us to our status as Your adopted sons and daughters.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Immaculate Heart of Mary on audio AV 19-1 or video V-19.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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