THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (FEAST)

Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. 

Have you ever had the experience of someone quietly (or not so quietly) distancing himself from you because of your faith? Perhaps an adult child says you are “too radical,” or a neighbor questions your sincerity, or a friend accuses you of being too generous to the poor. Whether by our closest family or friends or by our acquaintances, being snubbed or misunderstood can sting.

The Virgin Mary, whose birth we celebrate today, was on the verge of being abandoned by her husband and shunned by her community because of her yes to God. Joseph also knew he was taking a great risk when he stayed with Mary in spite of her unexpected pregnancy.

What makes their decisions even more remarkable is that Mary and Joseph would have known about figures from the Hebrew Scriptures who also faced opposition for their decision to follow God’s plan. They would have recalled how Moses faced rebellion when he was trying to lead his people into the Promised Land. Or how David had to escape King Saul, who was so jealous of David that he tried to kill him.

Mary and Joseph would have also known that obeying God does not guarantee a problem-free life. In fact, it could open them up to rejection and ridicule. Yet they were willing to follow him because what they were receiving was so much greater than the risk at hand. The promise of salvation for all mankind was worth the hardships they would face. And so they accepted his will, with its high points and its low points, and held fast to him through it all.

When you face misunderstanding or even hostility because of your faith, remember Mary and Joseph and the courage it took for them to yield to God’s plan for them. Remember that your reward will be much greater than any opposition you might face, starting with the peace that comes from being in the plan and will of God.

“Hail Mary, full of grace, pray for me to say yes to God’s plan for me.”

Micah 5:1-4
Psalm 13:6
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23