Breaking the Word

Nativity of the B.V.Mary, Friday – 8^th September 2023 – Matthew 1,18-23;

Chosen Vessel for Salvation

Today the church celebrates the feast of the Birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Although there is no scriptural account of her birth, the church has celebrated her birth since the sixth century. An apocryphal account of her birth is preserved in the non-canonical Proto-Gospel of James. Mary’s birth is celebrated nine months after the church celebrates her immaculate conception (Dec 8). Mary’s parents, Anna and Joachim, prayed fervently for a child and recognized her special holiness from birth. St.Augustine had said these beautiful words about Mary: “He knew his mother in predestination, even before he was born of her; even before, as God, he created her of whom, as man, he was to be created, he knew her as his mother.” Mary is to be honoured for her role in the plan of salvation. Her birth is celebrated because she said “Yes” to the Lord to bring forth the Saviour of the world. Her consent to God’s plan enabled her to become the mother of the Saviour. She willingly gave birth, nurtured, and perfectly loved her Son from infancy to the foot of the cross to the throne of heaven.

22^nd Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 07^th September 2023 – Colossians 1,9-14; Lk 5,1-11

To Grow in Knowledge

This section of the first reading is transition from Paul’s thankfulness into prayer for the Colossian believers. His prayer includes asking them about their knowledge of God (v.10) and His Will (v.9). The faith of the Colossian Christians are not based on worldly thinking, but rather the power and wisdom of God (1 Cor 2,5). Here, Paul states why he prays for their knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Four reasons are given. First, Paul’s desire is for their actions to match their beliefs, an action that counters false teaching. Second, Paul wants these believers to be “fully pleasing” to the Lord. Pleasing God includes believing in Him and living a life that follows His teachings. Third, Paul wants these believers to be effective, productive, and godly in their spiritual growth. The idea of bearing fruit implies maturity. Paul longed for his fellow believers to grow in maturity as part of their Christian walk (Eph 4,11-13).  Fourth, Paul wants the Colossians to continue to learn more about their faith and the God they serve. In this manner, Paul requests the Colossians to grow in the knowledge of God and His will. Knowledge of God involves learning the truth of the gospel and of Scripture (2 Tim 3,16-17). Growing in God’s will include learning to practically apply our knowledge and come to know God’s specific desires for our individual lives.  According to Paul, both the areas of knowledge, i.e., Knowledge of God and His will, are clearly connected.