The Least Of These

Only the “birthdays” of Jesus at Christmas, John the Baptist in June, and the Blessed Virgin Mary today get a special day in the church year, so when a “nativity” comes up, it’s something to notice. Mary’s birth is the dawn of our salvation. And that salvation comes through humble vessels like Mary, who in her Magnificat praises God saying, “For he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.” Or like Jesus, born in the town of Bethlehem, of which the prophet Micah said, “You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel.” Mary shows us how to become “more” by becoming “less.”