Sep 8 – Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary announced joy and the approaching salvation of a lost world. Mary was brought into the world not like other children of Adam, infected with the contagion of sin, but pure, holy, beautiful, and glorious, adorned with all the most precious graces fitting for the one predestined to be the Mother of the Saviour. Never did she have the slightest inclination towards anything other than the absolute and immediate Will of God.
She appeared indeed in the weak condition of all mortals, but in the eyes of Heaven she already transcended the highest seraphim in purity, humility, charity, and the richest ornaments of grace. God had created her in the original grace, as in the beginning Adam and Eve had enjoyed that ineffable privilege; after original sin, it was lost for all Adam’s posterity, until the time of the Redemption dawned in Mary. (Cf. I Cor. 15:21-23)
The nations celebrate, often too noisily, the birthdays of the great ones of this earth. How then ought we, Christians, to rejoice in that of the Virgin Mary, Mother of our Salvation, and to present publicly to God the homage of our best praises and thanksgiving for the great mercies He has shown in her, imploring her mediation with her Divine Son!
Jesus of Nazareth will not reject the supplications of His most holy Mother, through whom He chose to descend from Heaven; she, the Spouse of the Canticle, is all beautiful and is the one He was pleased to obey while on earth. Her love, care, and tenderness for Him, the title and qualities which she bears, the charity and graces with which she is adorned, and the crown of glory with which she is honoured, incline Him readily to receive her recommendations and petitions.
http://www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/09-08.htm
Micah 5:1-4
Matthew 1:1-16,18-23
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God-is-with–us’.
The relationship Catholics have with Mary is a unique one. Coming from a simple background, she was called by God to undertake a monumental role as the mother of Jesus Christ. Through her humility, charity, and simplicity, she is a wonderful example for us to follow.
While we do not pray to Mary, we do call on her to intercede for us, as we ask God for the graces we need to live a dutiful Catholic life. Through her intercession, we join in the communion of the saints in heaven to praise and reach out to our loving father who hears our prayers.
Do you know anyone who, like Mary, could be described as an influencer? Someone who is very well-connected and willing to introduce you to people and opportunities? Someone who knows your strengths and weaknesses and provides you with sound advice? Or maybe someone who always provides a listening ear, and then helps you to find a solution to your problems?
I hope that you are blessed to have friends and mentors like that. And that if you are in a position to use your gifts to help others, that you do so in the spirit of service and community-building.
Until the day comes when we meet both Mary our mother, and our heavenly Father in paradise, may we all strive towards bringing a slice of that paradise to our brothers and sisters we encounter everyday.
(Today’s Oxygen by Gregory Mathew)
Prayer: Help us O Lord, to be like Mary. May we be patient, faithful, and trusting in your divine goodness.
Thanksgiving: We thank you Jesus, for the gift of Mary our mother, as she works tirelessly to draw us closer to you.
OXYGEN 
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