Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

Meditatio (Reflecting)

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.

Oratio (Responding)

Today is the feast of the nativity of the blessed virgin mary. Since this event is not in the bible, the lectionary gives us the story of the incarnation of the lord. I think this is because the two nativities are inextricably linked. Mary was born without sin in order to be the immaculate mother of God. And this brings us to one of the most amazing and beautiful mysteries in the church. Think about this. Mary was born into this world a daughter of God, her immaculate sinless existence, is the perfection of the gift and creation of god most high. She was made the most perfect of all human creatures. In the incarnation, she became the spouse of the holy spirit, and as a result of that marriage of the mortal and divine, she became the mother of Jesus. Each person of the trinity has an extremely intimate relationship with Mary. And Mary filled each of these roles perfectly. She lived a human life without sin…, as god intended all mankind to live. She accepted the marriage to the holy spirit with complete trust and faith. And She served as the mother of God, loving, raising, and protecting the child Jesus, she served as his greatest disciple, and she mourned the loss of Jesus on the cross. She is a model for all human beings, not just Women. Today on this celebration of her birth into this world, let us remember that we are called to so much more than we are currently achieving. Let us strive to rise above our wants and needs and hopes, and live the call of God in our own lives.

Contemplatio (Contemplating)

Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.

Resolutio (Resolving)

Oh, lord, help me today to discern what you want from me today, and give me the courage to set out towards that end. Amen.