The Speciality of Mother Mary

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : Sunday*

*Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

*Gospel : 

*First Reading : Mic 5:1-4a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 13:6ab, 6c*

*Second Reading : Rom 8:28-30*

*The Speciality of Mother Mary*

*1) Meaning of Mary*

In konkani it is understood as *ಆಶೆಲ್ಲೆಂ ಮೆಳ್ಳೆಂ* 

It simply means received what was desired

St Joachim and St Ann desired a holy child and they received it 

God needed a Mother, and God received it 

The World needed a person to inaugurate the plan of Salvation, and the World received what was desired 

Humankind needed a Mother, and a mother was received through Mary 

*2) Marys Birth - Gift of Life*

Once again it helps us to reflect about life as a gift of God. 

One of the greatest gifts is the gift of Life 

Rabindranath Tagore, said that every child born is proof that God has not given up on humans. 

The birth of Mary is a sign that God still loves the Human beings, and he is not fed up loving us 

*3) Mary is a Special Child*

This is because she was born without Sin 

She was born as the fruit of intense prayer 

She was born for a special divine purpose 

That's why she is a special Child 

*4) Mary was born in a family*

By taking birth in the family, the family becomes important in our life 

The birth of Mary and the Family feast have close connection because she was born in a family 

*5) Mary is surrounded with Flowers*

This shows that the life of the mother is just like flowers

It blooms for others 

It gives fragrance for others 

It makes happy for others 

It attracts for others 

It lives for others 

Flowers also represents the nature and the Harvest. 

Harvest is the symbol of new life, sacrifice, sweat, and love. 

Mary is the symbol of new life, sacrifice, love and hardwork

*6) Girl Child and Mary*

This feast also highlights the importance of the mother, Girl Child, and the greatness of womanhood

One who honours mother should honour the Girl Child 

Any crime against womanhood goes against  Mother Mary itself 

*7) Mary and the Miracle Statue*

This feast is always associated with the Miracle statue

A novice called  Giulia Macario, was unable to walk. But she had a special devotion to Baby Mary. 

When the image of the Maria Bambina was brought  on the day of Nativity  she ardently prayed and on the following day she was miraculously healed 

Maria Bambina is the symbol of Miracle. With our Blessed Mother nothing is impossible

Since then, Maria Bambina is considered as the Miracle Statue

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*