First Apology of Justin – Chapter XXXIII.-Manner of Christ’s Birth Predicted.

…….And hear again how Isaiah in express words foretold that He should be born of a virgin; for he spoke thus: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bring forth a son, and they shall say for His name, `God with us.'” For things which were incredible and seemed impossible with men, these God predicted by the Spirit of prophecy as about to come to pass, in order that, when they came to pass, there might be no unbelief, but faith, because of their prediction. …….

Note: Justin Martyr (110-165 AD approx. )  is one of the leading apologists of the second century. He was born in Flavia Neapolis, Samaria. He was well educated. He was greatly impressed with the peaceful determination of Christians which lead him to his conversion. His knowledge and studies of Plato and other philosphers were “baptized” when he converted to Christianity. He found Christ and his words in the Gospel to enrich his way of thinking and living. His writings, especially the apologies, are well prepared and offer the taste of classical philosophy. He defends Christians and Christianity from injurious and false accusations. He demonstrates that the teachings of Jesus Christ the Son of the living God are based on the Old Testament’s writings. He quotes the prophets to prove to the rulers the truth, as can be seen above. He probably settled in Rome as a Christian Teacher. His martyrdom seem to take place around the year 165 AD.

Reflection : Jesus Christ, the Son of God, calls us to holiness. He helps us all in our daily lives’ difficulties and troubles. Through the Gospel, we meet the Lord and we are enriched. Our decisions and our lives are enlightened by the powerful Word of God. The Holy Scriptures fill us with the Spirit of the Lord. The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, was filled with the Holy Spirit and the Word was made Flesh. That’s what we pray in the Angelus; the Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Creed: For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven. By the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. (the Nicene-Constantinople Creed)

Franciscan Prayer:

Hail, holy Lady,
Most holy Queen,
Mary, Mother of God,
Ever Virgin;
Chosen by the most holy Father in Heaven,
Consecrated by him,
With his most holy beloved Son
And the Holy Spirit, the comforter.
On you descended and in you still remains
All the fullness of grace
And every good.
Hail, his Palace.
Hail, his Tabernacle.
Hail, his Robe.
Hail, his Handmaid.
Hail, his Mother.
And hail, all holy virtues,
Who, by the grace
And inspiration of the Holy Spirit,
Are poured into the hearts of the faithful
So that, faithless no longer,
They may be made faithful servants of God
through you.

fr. sandro