On Calvary, shortly before He died, Jesus gave Mary His mother as the mother of all His disciples, who were represented by John (Jn 19:26). This underlines the fact that we are family in Christ and with Mary. Families celebrate the birthdays of the family members.
Today we celebrate the birthday of Mary, our adoptive mother. Mothers' birthdays are special in several ways. When a mother thinks of a birthday, she usually doesn't think of her own, but those of her children. Moreover, mothers often make their own birthday cakes and, even on their birthdays, give more presents than they receive.
Mary's birthday is like that. Let's give our mother Mary the present she wants more than anything else, that is, obeying what her Son Jesus tells us (see Jn 2:5). Let's also tell her we love her and thank her for being such a great mother. However, she will give us more birthday presents than we give her, although it's not even our birthday. She will intercede for us to give our whole lives to Jesus and receive the most precious gifts of salvation, repentance, forgiveness, life in the Spirit, healing, freedom, peace, etc. Although it's not your birthday, open up your gifts.
| PRAYER: | Father, thank You for mother Mary, family, and birthdays. |
| PROMISE: | " 'The virgin shall be with Child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call Him Emmanuel,' a name which means 'God is with us.' " –Mt 1:23 |
| PRAISE: | "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name" (Lk 1:49). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College