Nativity of Mary
September 8, 2018

Today’s readings: 
Micah 5:1-4
Psalm 13:6
Matthew 1:1-23

God has blessed us tremendously through all of 37 years, and especially during these times. He has been merciful to us, He has saved us, and He has poured out His bountiful blessings upon us. “But I trust in your mercy. Grant my heart joy in your salvation, I will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt bountifully with me!” (Ps 13:6). Our hearts must be full of joy.

Salvation has come through Jesus the Messiah, borne of the Virgin Mary, as “she who is to give birth has borne.” (Mi 5:2b). “Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.” (Mt 1:16b). Jesus has taken “his place as shepherd by the strength of the Lord, by the majestic name of the Lord, his God” (Mi 5:3a). God is great, and Jesus is great, “for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth” (Mi 5:3b).

Jesus came to “save his people from their sins.” (Mt 1:21b). This is the work entrusted to his Church and to us. We are God’s people, and we are to do God’s divine work. That is greatness.We too, as God’s people, are destined for greatness in Christ, as we help bring the salvation of Jesus to the ends of the earth.

The Savior Jesus came through Mary, that is, through a family. Jesus grew in grace and wisdom over 30 years in the family home in Nazareth. This manifests the importance of the family according to God’s divine plan. Then Jesus went on to win our salvation.

And so we as a community have been called to help renew the family, and to do the work of evangelization. Our charism, from the very start, has been evangelization founded on family renewal. These are the two most crucial aspects of the life and work of the Church today. We are to engage in rapid, massive and worldwide evangelization, as we continue to work to renew the family and to defend life.

And so our theme for 2019 is “Families on Mission.” The theme verse is Joshua 24:15b. “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

It begins with each and every one of us as individuals …. “as for me.” This is the call to personal holiness and total commitment to God.

Then it moves to the family …. “and my household.” We are to build strong families in Christ.

Then the family can be used by God to do His divine work …. “we will serve the Lord.” We are to be families sent on mission.

This is our life. This is our work. This is how God has destined us for greatness in Christ.

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