Today the Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It’s Mary’s birthday! Happy birthday, Mom!
Many non-Catholics have a difficult time with Mary. Well, maybe not with Mary, but with Catholic devotion to Mary. They think that if you honor Mary, you’re taking away honor from Jesus. I like to answer that with a story.
When I was a kid, my best friend was Paul. One year, Paul’s family had a big birthday celebration for his mom. I went to that party, sang Happy Birthday, and honored Paul’s mom. By honoring Paul’s mom, did that detract from my relationship with Paul? Quite the contrary – it enhanced my relationship with Paul. I felt even more a part of his family because I loved his mother. It’s that way with Catholics and Jesus. When we honor His Mother, it doesn’t take away from our relationship with Him. It enhances it! Mary would have it no other way. So, sing it with me:
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Mary our Mother,
Happy Birthday to you!
Father, thank you for giving us a loving Mother, who always leads us to her Son. Amen.
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