The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, December 8, 2023
Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary spoke these words directly from her heart and soul. A few minutes earlier, Mary was full of doubt and fear. But the angel Gabriel told her not to worry. Mary, free from the stain of sin, acknowledged his word and freely accepted what Gabriel was saying. She was scared, but her faith in God allowed her to accept the message that she would carry the Son of God in her womb. A little while later, when she was visiting her relative, Elizabeth, Mary responded with the Magnificat canticle, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Mary is expressing her faith in God right from her soul. From that innermost place where only one close to God could respond that way.
Mary’s faith, and strength, is a perfect example of how we should react to our faith in God. Not only do these words come from her soul, it is a perfect response to God calling her, and us, to greater things. No, we are not perfect and free from sin like Mary is, but, we do have the capacity to reach into our own soul and exclaim our love for God. Imagine that you felt something so deeply, that you know it came from deep within your soul. This is your love of God coming through, breaking through all the sin and strife, to truly praise God for all He has done for you. It is there where we should sit and ponder the greatness of the Lord. Yes, evil is about, but so is God’s mercy toward us. God would never abandon us, and we should never abandon God. Because God loved us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, through Mary, to be the salvation of the world.
We may at times be shaken down to our soul, but we should never give up. Like Mary, we should ponder the message God is giving us, and if we truly believe it is from God, we should accept it, and trust God knows what is best for us. Listen to Mary’s words, “May it be done to me according to your will.” Are we allowing ourselves to be put entirely in God’s hands? Are we freely trusting and turning ourselves over to God? It may be hard to do, and it may be scary, but God wants us to love Him and trust in Him.
Turn our thoughts to the one who will accomplish all things, and praise Him for it. “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds,” proclaims the psalm. Believe it, trust it, and live your life like your soul depends on it. After all, that is what matters, right? Our soul, the one part of us that will live on forever. Allow the Holy Spirit to come over you like He did with Mary. And when He does, listen to God’s words and proclaim, “May it be done to me, according to your word.”
Saint James Catholic Church 