These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, September 8

We know that all things work for good for those who love God,
who are called according to his purpose.  (Rom 8:28-30)

Today reflect on God’s call . . . as revealed in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today we celebrate her birth . . . just as 9 months ago we celebrated her conception (December 8). Perhaps if we look at just one moment of life we might be able to dispute Saint Paul’s assertion that all things "work for good" . . . but when we look at the whole arc of life, we begin to see God’s mysterious plan unfold and with Mary we too can proclaim the greatness of the Lord.