Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

Summary

Father Daniel Kim reflects on the Gospel reading from Matthew 1:18-23, discussing the birth of Jesus Christ through the Virgin Mary and Joseph's response to divine intervention. Celebrating the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he draws parallels between the end of summer and new beginnings, emphasizing that change, though challenging, brings growth and opportunity. With hope in Christ and the intercession of Mary, Father Kim encourages embracing change with courage, as God is always with us. He concludes by inviting listeners to engage with Marinol’s mission and magazine.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Today's gospel reading is from Matthew 1:18-23, describing the birth of Jesus Christ.
• 👼 Mary was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit before living with Joseph.
• 🤔 Joseph, being righteous but not wanting to shame Mary, considered quietly divorcing her.
• 😇 An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife.
• 👶 The angel explained that the child was conceived through the Holy Spirit and would be named Jesus, meaning 'He will save his people from their sins.'
• 📜 The prophecy was fulfilled: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, meaning God is with us.'
• 🎉 Today also marks the celebration of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, exactly nine months after her immaculate conception on December 8th.
• 🌱 As summer ends, Father Daniel Kim reflects on how Mary's birth symbolizes a new beginning, just as this unconventional summer transitions to fall.
• 💪 Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are opportunities for growth, wisdom, and strength.
• 🌹 Through Mary's intercession, we are encouraged to embrace change and uncertainty, knowing that God is always with us, Emmanuel.

Q & A

What is today's Gospel reading about?

Today's Gospel reading is from Saint Matthew, chapter 1, verses 18 to 23. It describes how the birth of Jesus Christ came about, including the role of Joseph and the announcement from the angel of the Lord.

What decision did Joseph initially make upon learning about Mary's pregnancy?

Joseph, being a righteous man and not wanting to expose Mary to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.

What changed Joseph's mind about divorcing Mary?

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and explained that Mary's child was conceived through the Holy Spirit, telling him not to be afraid to take her as his wife.

What was Joseph instructed to name the child, and why?

Joseph was instructed to name the child 'Jesus' because He would save His people from their sins.

What prophecy does this Gospel reading fulfill?

The prophecy that the virgin shall bear a son, and they shall name Him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us.'

Why is today significant in the liturgical calendar?

Today marks the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is nine months after her immaculate conception on December 8th.

What symbolic meaning is tied to the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

The birthday of Mary symbolizes a new beginning, marking a step closer to the birth of Jesus Christ, who brings hope and salvation to humanity.

How does the speaker relate Mary's birth to the current times?

The speaker compares the birth of Mary and the salvation of humanity to the hope and new reality emerging as we navigate the changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What message does the speaker emphasize about change and uncertainty?

The speaker encourages embracing change and uncertainty, noting that opportunities for growth, wisdom, and strength are always near, and we should trust in God, who is always with us.

How can listeners further engage with or support the Maryknoll Society?

Listeners are encouraged to visit maryknollsociety.org to learn how they can support the society’s mission work around the world or subscribe to their online magazine at maryknollmagazine.org.