Second in importance only to the Nativity of Our Lord, the Birth of Mary we joyfully celebrate today remains shrouded in obscurity. There is nary a mention of it in Sacred Scripture. In Matthew’s genealogy, proclaimed aloud during Mass today, Mary is singularly mentioned only in relation to Joseph.

It is as if Mary’s arrival is wrapped in silence. Thus, her birth speaks to us of humility. The more we desire to grow in God’s eyes, the less notice and recognition we need from others.

Like Mary, let us be about doing great things for God, embracing obscurity and silence.