A WORD FOR TODAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2023

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*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*MARY LIVED TO FULFIL GOD'S PURPOSE*

_All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emman′u-el, which means, God with us"(Matthew 1:22-23)_

_*Our birth on earth is something that God made to be and whenever the day of our birth comes within the year it is an opportunity to reflect.*_

_Today the Church has given us an opportunity to reflect on the birth of our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary. Her nativity is one that was heralded with joy, although her parents saints Joachim and Anne may not at that time know what she was destined for, but they must have been glad for her gift to them._

_*They nurtured her well and brought her up in the fear of the Lord and she grew to know God and was disposed to honour God in her life. She was ready to be used by God and today she has not only become our mother who cares for us, but also one who inspires us to virtue and intercedes for us.*_

_Her birth was not by accident. There is a reason for it and she lived to fulfil her mission and purpose. We must also see ourselves in that light. God has given us life for a purpose. Live well so as to fulfill the purpose for which you were born._

_*We must come to Mary and take recourse in her Immaculate heart. She said yes to God and we must learn from her to say yes to Him always. Her intercession is efficacious and she is available to assist us in our journey of following Christ.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a wonderful day. May the Blessed Virgin Mary's birth inspire you to live a purposeful life. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Micah 5:2-5/Psalm 13:6-7/Matthew 1:1-16,18-23

*Watch-Word:* Blessed are you, O Holy virgin Mary

*Mary said yes to God and she lived a holy life, let us learn from her to say yes to God always*

(Friday in the Twenty Second week in ordinary time. Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.)

*©ï¸ Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*