5th Day — The Birth of Mary
The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (St. John i. 5.)
I. At the time of Mary's birth the whole world was plunged in darkness. The heathen nations were steeped in vice and pride. The Jews, too, had corrupted their ways and departed from God. Everywhere there was sin and gloom, scarce a bright spot on the face of the earth. But when Mary was born a light arose amid the darkness; the dawn of the glorious day that was to usher in the Redeemer. So, too, the darkness of the sinner's soul is dispersed by Mary's holy influence. Where the love of her is born in the soul, all becomes full of light, and Jesus comes to make His habitation there.
2. Before Mary's birth God sought in vain for one who would always be faithful to Him, for one soul that would always love Him as it ought. For four thousand years He had invariably been disappointed, but now at length He had found one who fulfilled all His desires, who satisfied the yearnings of His divine Heart. A worthy daughter of His omnipotent love!
3. Mary, in the first hour of her life, brought more glory to God than all the saints of the Old Testament. In her were made perfect the obedience of Abraham, the chastity of Joseph, the patience of Job, the meekness of Moses, the prudence of Josue. It is because she is the model and pattern of these and all other virtues that she can communicate them to us. I must beg of Mary to obtain for me obedience, chastity, patience, prudence, and all else I need.
Virgin most pure, star of the sea,
Pray for the sinner, pray for me!
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