garbage and birthdays
" '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.' " —Matthew 1:23
We often give presents to those celebrating their birthdays. On Mary's birthday, it's even better. Often on this day, the Lord gives everyone special presents. For example, through the intercession of Mary, the Lord may give us the present of a miracle in which He takes even bad things and works them together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His decree (Rm 8:28).
Think of the worst sins of your life. Think of the worst sins committed against you. What are the worst injustices in our culture of death? What has broken your heart? What are your greatest disappointments? Bring the most foul garbage of your life to Mary's birthday party today. At Mass, bring to the altar your whole life, especially the worst parts of it. As Jesus changes the bread and the wine into His Body and Blood, Jesus may take your garbage and turn it into forgiveness, healing, deliverance, and salvation. The Lord does these miracles because He loves you so much. He does these miracles often on the birthday of Mary because Mary loves you and is pleased to see her Son pouring out His love on her children (see Rm 5:5). Birthdays are days of love and miracles. Happy birthday!
Prayer: Father, do more than I can ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20).
Promise: "Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne." —Mi 5:2
Praise: Horace, once a non-Christian, came to know Jesus as Lord because of an interest in the prophetic messages given at Marian apparitions.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 15, 2017
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