Daily Gospel Reflection for September 8, 2016 - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today's Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Where you come from is important. Your family shapes who you are, for better or for worse, and there's nothing we can do about it. They are yours and you are theirs.

What does today's Gospel say to us? It says to me that, whether you come from kings or servants, you are ordained by God to be where you are. He has not given us our mother and father by mistake. He has not given us our brothers and cousins and children by mistake. Jesus' line was marked out for him long before his parents were born. It is not by mistake that Mary is betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of King David. It is not by mistake that Joseph chose to let Mary stay with him.

Family is not meant to be a burden; it is meant to be a gift, but sometimes we forget that when we start to think about the imperfections of our parents or grandparents. David, though a king, was an adulterer and murderer. Ruth was not Jewish but adopted her mother-in-law's faith.

Jesus' family is not perfect and yet God still chose them. Family can shape us and we can also shape them.

Ponder:

What do you think of Jesus' family? Do you sometimes blame your unhappiness on the circumstances of your family? How can you help to shape your family into better Christians?

Pray:

Heavenly Father, I pray that you bless my family this day and give me the grace to see them as your sons and daughters. Allow our hearts to open in acceptance of one another and cast out any judgment or spite.

Copyright 2016 Kiera Schaff

Kiera lives in St. Louis with her husband and dog. She loves the outdoors, cows, and her morning coffee. Read more from Kiera at missionaryoutofmissions.wordpress.com.