It seemed that St. Joseph would divorce Mary, and Mary would be in danger of being executed as an adulteress (see Mt 1:19). However, Joseph obeyed God's revelation, and God made "all things work together for the good" (Rm 8:28).
Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fled in the night to Egypt (Mt 2:13ff). The Holy Family was in danger. But they escaped Herod's massacre of the baby boys of Bethlehem, and God made "all things work together for the good" (Rm 8:28).
Mary was at the foot of Jesus' cross (see Jn 19:25). She saw up close her Son being tortured and murdered. She was in indescribable agony. However, her Son rose from the dead and made her Queen of heaven and earth. God made "all things work together for the good" (Rm 8:28).
On this day when we celebrate Mary's birthday, some of you are on the verge of divorce, in danger of death, or in agony. Jesus loves you infinitely and has died on the cross and risen from the dead for love of you. On this birthday celebration of Mary, expect Jesus to make "all things work together for the good" (Rm 8:28).
| PRAYER: | Father, may I never forget this day. |
| PROMISE: | "Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne." –Mi 5:2 |
| PRAISE: | Horace, once a non-Christian, came to know Jesus as Lord because of an interest in the prophetic messages given at Marian apparitions. |
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