MARY

Although the genealogy may seem long and tedious, it contains a rich theology of God’s plan of salvation. The four women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba, wife of Uriah) leading up to Mary reflects the proverb “God writes straight with crooked lines.” Israel’s ancestral and spiritual genealogy has no pedigree. God chooses whomever God wants in the plan of salvation, including outsiders—and through events with seemingly questionable motives. The chosen people are essentially a “motley crew” in diversity, that, ironically, this largely patriarchal genealogy leads to a woman, Mary.[1]

Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s birth. However, the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James fills in the gap. This work has no historical value, but it does reflect the development of Christian piety. According to this account, Anna and Joachim are infertile but pray for a child. They receive the promise of a child who will advance God’s plan of salvation for the world. Such a story, like many biblical counterparts, stresses the special presence of God in Mary’s life from the beginning.[2]

Today’s Gospel emphasizes Mary as Jesus’ mother (Mt 1:16, 21). Even in a patriarchal culture, a child’s mother is the one person always known. Little more is told directly of Mary in the Gospels. Moments include the presentation in the temple, the finding Jesus in the temple, the wedding feast at Cana, and the crucifixion. The life and ministry of Jesus, however, speak pages to her love and discipleship.[3]

Next to the birth of Jesus, Mary’s birth offers the greatest possible happiness to the world. If Jesus is the perfect expression of God’s love, Mary is the foreshadowing of that love. If Jesus has brought the fullness of salvation, Mary is its dawning. Each time we celebrate her birth, we can confidently hope for an increase of peace in our hearts and in the world. 

Saint Augustine in connecting Mary’s birth with Jesus’ saving work tells the earth to rejoice and shine forth in the light of her birth. He says, “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.” Today’s opening prayer speaks of the birth of Mary’s Son as the dawn of our salvation, and asks to bring the grace of a deeper peace.

[1] Weekday HomilyHelps, Exegesis of the Gospel by J. Edward Owens, OSST.
[2] Franciscan Media, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
[3] Weekday HomilyHelps, Homily Suggestion by J. Edward Owens, OSST.