Today, as we celebrate the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Gospel invites me to reflect on Mary as the bearer of Christ. Mary played a significant role in the plan of salvation, being an instrument for the incarnation of the Word. Mary knew her role as the handmaid of the Lord. In her humility and simplicity, she was given a role that made her blessed among women—to be the Mother of God.

After passing the board exam, I was blessed to have been hired immediately. I also began then my ministry in the Parish as a Lector-Commentator. I was also given the task to lead the Ministry on Liturgy. Everything seemed instantaneous and easy, but the question for me was, “How am I taking all of these?” Is it a humbling experience for me? Is there a feeling of unworthiness? Human as I am, I thought I was given these things because I could bear such roles. I was drowned by pride. I believed I was able, qualified, and competent enough.

Mary, as the bearer of Christ, invites me to respond to God’s graces with humility and gratitude. To receive graces means to allow God to work in us and for Him to make us His instruments of love and mercy. God invites me to hold on to Him rather than in my capacities and qualities. The sense of God’s grace abolishes pride. Mary never exalted herself; she exalted God. She bore Christ with humility and gratitude. Let us be like Mary! Let us be bearers of Christ!

By: Sem. Paulo O. Magistrado

Today’s Gospel

Mt 1: 18-23

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.”