Woman                                   

Dipped in the instincts of heaven,

Robed in the garments of earth,

Maiden and Mother and Queen,

Wearing each crown at thy birth: 

Threefold thy gift to the world,

Pluck’d from God’s ripening sky,

Tending the altar of life,

Kindred to angels on high.

            – Thomas O’Hagan                                    

For Reflection: 

“Tending the altar of life…”    In addition to bringing Jesus into the world, how else does Sacred Scripture show Mary as “mother?” I will do likewise in three ways today as a special birthday present to her. 

Mary, my Mother,

On this your birthday, bring me to the fullness

Of life through your Son, Jesus Christ,

My Lord.

Amen.