birthday breakthroughs
"The Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne." —Micah 5:2
Sometimes we feel as if the Lord has given us up to our enemies and given up on us. We feel depressed, almost in despair, but the Lord promises to make "all things work together for the good" (Rm 8:28). The time when the tide is about to turn is "when she who is to give birth has borne." Jesus' Incarnation and Mary's motherhood are a sign that God's grace is about to break through even in impossible circumstances. This was the sign promised Ahaz when his kingdom was in a desperate situation. Isaiah prophesied to Ahaz: "The Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall name Him Immanuel" (Is 7:14).
How do you know your life will truly be transformed by God? How do you know that I'm not just trying to make you feel better with groundless good wishes? How do you know when the Lord will rescue you? If you deeply celebrate Mary's birthday, you will enter into the mystery of her motherhood and of Jesus' Incarnation. This will be a sign that the Lord will soon change your "mourning into dancing" (Ps 30:12). Consequently, today is a happy birthday not only for Mary, but for all who celebrate with her.
Prayer: Father, through Mary's ministry, enlighten my innermost vision that I may know the great hope to which I have been called (Eph 1:18).
Promise: "The virgin shall be with Child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call Him Emmanuel, a name which means 'God is with us.' " —Mt 1:23
Praise: Praise You, O God, for sending forth your Son, born of Mary, to deliver us to our status as Your adopted sons and daughters.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Immaculate Heart of Mary on audio AV 19-1 or video V-19.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 30, 2012
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