Gospel Reflection for the Feast of Mary, Mother of God

May God bless us in his mercy. (Psalm 66) 

This year we are presented with all the events surrounding the birth and Presentation of Jesus in the Temple in quick succession, since the Feasts of both the Holy Family and Mary, the Mother of God fall side by side. We revisit the manger once again, this time with the shepherds who tell Mary and Joseph and anyone else who would listen, their wonderful story. In the whole cast of characters in the Christmas Story, they surely are the happiest and most carefree. On the other hand, Mary and Joseph have grave responsibilities along with their incomparable privileges. Their first responsibility, having listened and believed, is to obey. Mary achieved her sublime position and title as Mother of God for having listened to and believed the word of God. As St. Augustine said she conceived Jesus first in faith before conceiving Him in her womb. All else followed, so that now we, her children in faith, can pray in this time of trouble and war: Hail holy queen, Mother of Mercy, hail our life, our sweetness and our hope.