RBWords

     We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.  [Rom.]

     I am not certain how universal is the custom of celebrating one's birthday.  In any case, it is certainly common in the U.S.A..  We often use this anniversary to do more than mark another calendar year in life.  Many moms that I know will remember other events by relating them to the birthdate of one of her children.  Particular birthdates seem to require greater [or lesser, depending on one's feelings] celebration, such as 21, 40, 65, 100!  At the very least, we celebrate the fact that we are still alive!

     Some birthdates of significant individuals are celebrated to underscore their continued importance to the community, so matter how long ago they were born.  I do not know why September 8th was chosen as the date of the birth of Mary, but the very fact that we celebrate her birth is a reminder that she was indeed, born, and completely human.  However, as St. Paul tells us  today, she was "called according to [God's] purpose."  The Blessed Virgin Mary has many titles of devotion in Catholic tradition, some of which have the unfortunate effect of making her seem on the same level as her Son.  I'd like to think of her more as a mom, a wife, a sister, an aunt who took on a very difficult role to play in God's plan.  To celebrate her birthday is to ask not only about her significance to the Church at large, but to each one of us as well.  AMEN