Birth of the Virgin Mary

Today's Readings:
Rom 8:28-30
Ps 13:6
Mt 1:18-23

St. Paul tells us that "those he called he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified." It is not us but the Lord who does great things through us; he is the one who first called us, then justified us through Christ, and hopefully glorify us in Heaven forever with all those who have gone before us. The Virgin Mary, whose birthday we celebrate today, is a perfect example of what God can do through simple ordinary people if we but just let him. Today let us allow Christ to work miracles in our life so that we may answer the call we have first received from God. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, it is through you that we can do anything, fill us with your Spirit and help us to allow you to work with and through us this day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - Birth of the Virgin Mary
We do not usually celebrate the birthdays of the saints. Instead we celebrate the day they died, because that is the day they were born into the joys of heaven. But the birthday of Mary, our Blessed Mother, is an exception. We do celebrate her birthday because she came into this world full of grace and because she was to be the Mother of Jesus. The birth of Our Lady was like a dawn. When the sky starts to turn a rosy pink early in the morning, we know the sun will soon come up. In the same way, when Mary was born, she brought great happiness to the world. Her birth meant that soon Jesus, the Sun of justice, would appear. Mary was the wonderful human being whose privilege it was to bring the Lord Jesus to all people. Even today, if we have Mary, we have Jesus. Whoever is very devoted to her is very close to the heart of Jesus.
Reflection: Today, we celebrate and proclaim with joy to the whole world the birth of the Virgin Mary. We can always turn to Mary for help. She is very close to the heart of Jesus. What special intention can I ask her today?

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0908.asp