“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

It is upon verses like these that we can place our hope and trust in the love that God has for us, especially when we are going through challenging times.

It is hard to see the good that God is bringing about while we are enduring them, but he has done so in your life before, he will do so with any present challenges, and will do so again in the future. God loves you and wants the best for you. It is in times like these that our relationship grows and deepens in our intimacy with him as long as we continue to place our hope and trust in God.

Today we celebrate the nativity of Mary, who is a model “for those who love God.” Mary was born as a part of God’s plan to bear the Christ, the Son of the living God. She received the news of this at such an early age, most biblical scholars thinking that she was 13-15 years of age. And even though she did not fully understand what Gabriel was asking of her, she said yes. What she did understand was the challenge that was before her, the gossip, the looks, even the possibility of being stoned to death for conceiving a child out of wedlock.

Yet Mary placed her trust in the one who she dedicated her life to from an early age when tradition teaches that her parents, Joaquin and Anna, brought her to live and serve in the Temple, possibly as a consecrated virgin, until she was about twelve.

Mary even faced these challenges with joy! For after receiving the word from Gabriel and conceiving Jesus in her womb through the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, she went in haste to share the news with Elizabeth. Not only did God, through Mary’s faith, trust, and hope in him, bring about a greater good, he redeemed all of humanity and creation in collaboration with Mary!

The Holy Spirit accompanies us as he did and does with Mary. We need to continue to place our trust in him for the issues, temptations, trials, and tribulations we are experiencing, knowing that they are only being allowed by God to bring about a greater good. As any impatience or anxiety attempts to creep in today, breathe deeply and slowly, saying, “Jesus, I trust in you.” Rest and abide in these as well as the words expressing the truth that God is bringing about a greater good for you.

Call on Mary to help you too. She is an incredible and loving Mother who has comforted me in my worst trials and continues to love and guide me now. Continue to trust in Jesus her Son who will take any hit that comes at you. Walk on in the confidence that even in your weakness, our loving God and Father is your strength.

Happy birthday, Mary, and pray for us!

Photo: Holy hour on the grounds of St. Joseph and Mary retreat center, Mundelein, Illinois.

Link for the Mass readings for Friday, September 8, 2023