The Church's celebration of Mary's birth probably began at some point in the Sixth Century, possibly earlier. The Eastern Church begins its liturgical year every September and chose that month as the beginning of Mary's life on earth. With nine months as the traditionally understood time of pregnancy, September 8 determined the date for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.
Scripture does not tell us anything about the birth of Mary. However, the somewhat fictional Protoevangelium of James, while being rather dubious, possibly fills in the gap. While this work has no historical value, it shows us some of Christian piety's early development. According to this account, Mary's parents, Anna and Joachim, prayed for a child and received the promise of a child who would be an active participant in God's salvation plan. Much like many biblical stories, this one stresses God's remarkable presence in Mary's life from its beginning.
Saint Augustine connected Mary's birth with the salvific mission of Jesus. He said, “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth, the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.” Indeed, her life and her cooperation with the plan of God opened the way for the one who would change our sinful nature forever, in this life and the next.+
Homily for Tuesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist
Homily for the Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch
Homily for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Friday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Thursday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. John XXIII
Homily for Tuesday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
Homily for Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Thursday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi
Homily for Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
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