Happy Birth Day
It’s tradition in our house to share the “birth story” with each child on their birthday. My mom was always the storyteller for my brother and me growing up. As a child, I remember how I loved hearing a tale about me. I’m sure I gave some good eye rolls during my teen birthdays during the rendition of my birth story, but it really was endearing to hear about a time in my life in which I didn’t have memory. When someone else tells you precious details about your own life that you are unaware of, it’s both special and intriguing.
Today we celebrate the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, nine months after the December 8 celebration of her Immaculate Conception. I wonder if Saint Anne (or Saint Joachim) shared with Mary her birth story. How overjoyed they were to hold their daughter for the first time, for it was this child that they waited many years, both praying and fasting. What was the weather in Jerusalem like that day? Did Joachim have everything ready in the nursery for Mary’s arrival? According to early second century writings, Anne “made a sanctuary” in the infant girl's room, and “allowed nothing common or unclean” on account of the special holiness of Mary.
What about the other chapters of Mary’s life? Her childhood. Her teen years (as a mom). Her fleeing to see her cousin Elizabeth after being told the big news by angel Gabriel. Her desire for friendship. Her desire to both give and receive love. Her time with child. Watching her son grow up. Many of these chapters of Mary’s life parallel chapters of our own lives. Mary’s humanity connects with our own humanity. She is relatable. And it is exactly that relatability that fed my personal relationship with her.
It can be hard to connect with a human described by the words, “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,” especially when it is a state of grace and sinlessness only a small handful of people have been blessed with this side of heaven. It may seem tough to relate to the one who God chose to be the mother of Jesus, whose purity was the necessary canvas for the masterpiece of the Creator. I felt that way until I really pondered her life. It was actually during a period of time when some friends and I were committed to praying the Rosary daily that I reflected on Mary’s life most deeply. Her humanity consisted of joys and trials. On the spectrum of joys and trials, Mary’s joys were measured among the highest of joys, while her trials were measured among the greatest of sorrows. Because I know she experienced this gamut of human emotion, I know that she can relate to whatever I am going through. And not only that; she also desires to receive my prayers and take them to Jesus for me.
When the most holy Virgin was born, the whole world was made radiant; blessed is the branch and blessed is the stem which bore such holy fruit. (Liturgy of the Hours)
Happy Birthday to Mary, our lady, and hopefully, relatable mother in heaven, whose birth story was written for us.