Today, the Church celebrates the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in today’s gospel we hear the long list of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Each person listed is infinitely unique. What were their hopes, their fears, their dreams? Did they know that their lives would be directly involved in the birth of the Messiah? Did they know that their lives would shape eternity?
We can say for sure that Mary knew the importance of her place in Salvation history. In her great song of praise, the Magnificat, she proclaims that the fruit growing in her womb was a promise made to Abraham generations ago. She knows, as well, that from that day forth, all generations will call her blessed.
And for those of us who live on this side of the Incarnation, this side of the Resurrection, what is it that we know? What truths do we hold onto as we live our lives?
Like Mary, may we be evermore aware and grateful of that long line of holy men and women who have given us faith in Christ, and may we also like Mary be bearers of Christ to others.