Saturday 8 September

Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Micah 5:1-4; Psalm 13; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

Saying yes to God

Mary’s whole life is a perfect example of an Israelite who hears the word of God and responds to that word. We heard that dramatically in our Gospel. To be able to say “yes”, she must have been saying “yes” to God, all her life. Today is the birthday of the mother of the Church; the first and perfect disciple, the new Eve, the mother of our Saviour. By practising obedient ‘yeses’ to God’s will each day, we will find it the natural thing to do when a big challenge comes our way.