Feast of St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord

Today we remember and give thanks for St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord. Mary was the virgin from Nazareth within whom Jesus Christ was conceived through the work of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:34-35).  She gave birth to Him in Bethlehem (Luke 2:6-7) and was present at our Lord’s first miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11), at His crucifixion (John 19:25-27) and gathered with the disciples after the resurrection (Acts 1:13-14).  She is remembered for her trusting submission to the will of God as at the annunciation she said to the angel Gabriel, “Let it be to me according to your word (Luke 1:38).  According to tradition, Mary finished her life living with the Apostle John in Ephesus.

Scripture reading:

            And Mary said,

            “My soul magnifies the Lord,

                        and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

            for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

                        For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

            for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

                        and holy is his name.

            And his mercy is for those who fear him

                        from generation to generation.

            He has shown strength with his arm;

                        he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

            he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

                        and exalted those of humble estate;

            he has filled the hungry with good things,

                        and the rich he has sent away empty.

            He has helped his servant Israel,

                        in remembrance of his mercy,

            as he spoke to our fathers,

                        to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

(Luke 1:46-55)

Collect of the Day:

Almighty God, You chose the virgin Mary to be the mother of Your only Son.  Grant that we, who are redeemed by His blood, may share with her in the glory of Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.