September 8, 2025 // Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
Reflect on the Word //
I couldn’t remember why we stopped speaking. We are family. We were close. And then, our laughter-filled conversations, phone calls celebrating and lamenting the activities of our children, all the connection between us began to splinter and crumble away. This happens all too often within families. A misspoken word, a misunderstanding, a mistake fractured hearts and broke bonds.
This is the nature of anger sometimes. It simmers. It hides below the surface until resentment explodes out of it with a force that wounds us. I struggled with unforgiveness, and in a moment of begging the Lord to soften my heart toward this family member, I was reminded that our God became Man and is “Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). From this long line of suffering sinners came the Savior born of the Blessed Virgin Mary whose birth we celebrate today. Her full trust in God and His grace made way for our Redeemer.
Redemption moved them forward. Love moved them forward. Forgiveness moved them forward.
Jesus was asking me to remember His promises and trust His word. Jesus was asking me to remember that we are called to a radical love. He is asking this of each of us. Can we move forward? Can we see that Jesus is cleansing our wounds by the power of His Blood, washing away the debris and mending the division? He knows and He sees all, and forgiveness will set us free. On this side of Heaven, it will be imperfect. We may need boundaries. We may need time. But Jesus is with us in all of it. We are part of the greatest story of love and forgiveness, which began with the birth of His Mother. Lean forward. The Savior is coming.
Relate to the Lord // What do you need? Tell Jesus, and have hope.
Leana Bowler is a wife and mother of five little ones. She is a Holy Rosary enthusiast with deep devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her love for the message of Divine Mercy led her to become a Marian Missionary of Divine Mercy. She enjoys the miracles of family life, strong coffee, and encountering others on this journey to sainthood. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and Made New: 52 Devotions for Catholic Women.
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