8 Sep
Fri
The Nativity of the BVM
Mic. 5:1-4a or Rom. 8:28-30
Ps. 12:6ab, 6cd
Mt. 1:1-16,18-23
(Psalter proper)
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Most of the Church's tradition concerning Mary's birth, her parents names, her being presented in the temple are contained in an apocryphal gospel, called the Protoevangelium of St. James which was compiled sometime around the year 175.

According to the account in the Protoevangelium, there was an old, childless couple, named Joachim and Anna, who were righteous and very devout. They were looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, but suffered public shame because they were without child. As was the case with many other childless couples in scripture, an angel appeared to Joachim saying: "Joachim, rejoice! God has heard your prayer and your wife Anna shall conceive and give birth to a daughter, whose nativity will become joy for the entire world."

Her birth became indeed a source of great joy, not only for the old couple, but for the whole world because it inaugurated the beginning of our redemption. Consequently, the feast is celebrated in the spirit of general rejoicing and exaltation, and we join in singing the words of our Psalm reading today, "I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me." We learn to imitate Joachim and Anna, and also Joseph in today's Gospel, who, again the words of our psalm verses, trusted in God's steadfast love, and whose hearts rejoiced in God's salvation.



Lord, teach us to trust You always.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That all those who are going through moments of inner difficulty and trial may find in Christ the light and support which leads them to discover authentic happiness.
Elaboration

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