September 8, 2026
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our Family Story
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah…
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be the ruler in Israel.
Micah 5:1

Before getting to how Jesus was born, today’s Gospel re­counts the long genealogy of God’s salvific work. (See Matthew 1:1-17.) On this day when Mary’s birth is celebrated, the intended takeaway is that she did not come out of the blue. For all of her singularity as the Mother of God, what is true about her in the first place is her belong­ing to a family, to a people and to a tradition that schooled her and prepared her heart for what was to come. Her singular role is inserted into that long and patient waiting for the Messiah who would fulfill his promises to Israel.

So maybe this is a day for us to keep our own family story in mind, to be grateful for what has brought us to this point in our lives. This includes our family by birth and our family by rebirth, the Church, that continues to inspire lives of generosity and compassion and service. And, shall we say, our Living Faith family.

- Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A.

Micah 5:1-4a or Romans 8:28-30 ✚ Psalm 13:6 ✚ Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
The star with ray shines over the manger. Image by vovan | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

Comments

freeter
September 8, 2026 at 10:34 AM

Amen! May God Bless our Living Faith family! :)

Bill L
September 8, 2026 at 03:05 PM

Always look forward to your smile, freeter!

Salina (not in control)
September 8, 2026 at 09:54 AM

I have time to write so I share … Different approaches to the same goals! *** Party One * Can do attitude no matter race, upbringing or locations * Independent * I determine what is sufficient for me…sky is the limit * What I can do for others and the country * More of me and less government * Empowerment mentality * Accountability attitude (I am responsible for the outcome) * What’s mine is mine * I deserve how hard I work for so I can share with others *** Party Two * Can’t do attitude due to race, upbringing...
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ADV
September 8, 2026 at 09:21 AM

AMEN!

Stormi
September 8, 2026 at 08:47 AM

Thank you Fr. Dennis for you words and all this LFF. An amazing group of good and kindness. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs. Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a heavenly earth.

CBR
September 8, 2026 at 08:41 AM

Lord your love is everlasting and endures forever and ever Amen Amen Amen

Gary
September 8, 2026 at 08:12 AM

Praise the Lord, Amen!

Mike
September 8, 2026 at 08:45 AM

Amen

Lia
September 8, 2026 at 07:23 AM

Amen.

Cheryl
September 8, 2026 at 06:08 AM

Amen... thank you Fr. Gallagher for your devotion today...Salina, I do hope you are healing well since last week

Salina (not in control)
September 8, 2026 at 07:52 AM

Much slower than I want, right on time according to God! Lots of TV…finishing up 3 seasons of SILO!!! Continue to pray for the camera of my eye to heal and reform the focus part of macular pucker to give me clear vision and most of all the patience needed to endure and enjoy the process and progress (both spiritually and physically) God has for me, Deo Volente ❤️✝️❤️

Salina (not in control)
September 8, 2026 at 03:46 AM

Today’s Gospel in Matthew 1:1-16 is the genealogy of Jesus through Joseph! ******* I see the women mentioned in this genealogy: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Uriah’s wife (Bathsheba), and Mary! *** Tamar tricked her father-in-law Judah pretending to be a prostitute and got pregnant to maintain the family line (see Genesis 38)! *** Rahab was a prostitute in Joshua 2:1! *** Ruth was not a Jew in Ruth 1:4! *** Bathsheba was taped by king David in 2 Samuel 11:2-5! *** Mary was identified as a virgin from Nazareth engaged to be married to Joseph in Luke 1:26-27! ******* What do...
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The star with ray shines over the manger. Image by vovan | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

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