2026-09-08 - Do not despise small beginnings Author: Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe
8th of September 2026
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mic 5:1-4
Mt 1:1-16, 18-23
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on 8 September, commemorates the birth of Mary, the woman chosen by God to become the Mother of His Son, Jesus Christ. Though Scripture does not narrate her birth, the Church celebrates it because Mary's birth marks an important step in God's preparation for the Incarnation. Her life was part of the divine plan that would bring Christ into the world.
One of the most beautiful lessons from the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is that God does not always begin great things in great or spectacular ways. Sometimes, great things begin quietly, humbly, and almost unnoticed.
The *Gospel* gives us a long genealogy, names of people we may never remember, families we know little about, and generations that lived ordinary lives. Yet Matthew deliberately presents them because salvation did not happen suddenly. God patiently worked through generations until the fullness of time came.
This is why the prophet Micah says, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel." Bethlehem was small, but God chose it. Mary was born into an ordinary human family, but God chose her.
This challenges the way we look at our own lives. We often despise beginnings because they do not look impressive. We want immediate success, immediate recognition, and immediate results. We look at where we are and say, "Nothing important is happening here." But God may be preparing something significant in what presently looks insignificant. A small business may become a source of livelihood for many. A child who seems ordinary may become a blessing to a generation. A simple act of kindness may change someone's life. A quiet vocation may become a powerful instrument in God's hands.
The birth of Mary therefore teaches us something profound: before the world saw Mary as the Mother of God, she was simply a child being born. Before Bethlehem became significant, it was simply a small town. Before salvation became visible, God was quietly preparing it. So, do not despise your small beginning. Do not despise your present stage because it is not yet your final destination. Do not despise the little work you are doing faithfully. Do not despise the ordinary people God has placed around you. What looks small to you may already be significant in God's plan.
The important question is not always, "How big is this beginning?" but "Is God in this beginning?" Because when God is involved, small beginnings can carry enormous destinies.
*May Mary intercede for us*
0 Comments
Leave a Comment
Fill the form below to leave a comment