September 8, 2018 Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time-B THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Psalm 13

Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.  Mt. 1:16

Lord, the long line of Mary’s ancestors in faith reveals to us your divine and wonderful plan to save us from death.  This list of famous and obscure men and women begins thousands of years before your birth.  The Father’s intention was to prepare a people to receive you and to bring about our redemption.  With all their faults and failures each of these people, in big and small ways, lived out their time on earth and probably unknowingly cooperated with your plan.  The final step was when your mother Mary said “yes” to the angel.  Lord, I have a part in your eternal plan too.  My role is to live like I’ve been saved.  My job is to share the good news of your awesome plan by word and deed.  Like all these spiritual ancestors of yours, may I live a life of obedience to my baptismal call.  You continue, even today, to save your people.   My name can be added to this list of those you created to further your dream for humanity.   Thank you, Jesus, for giving us such a perfect mother in faith.  Happy birthday, Mary.  Amen