Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today is one of my favorite feasts in the church for a variety of reasons. Mary is quite simply an incredible model of faith, discipleship, strength, compassion, and love. My devotion to Mary is rooted in my childhood experiences of listening to stories from my great aunt Helen about her trips to Marian apparition sites and praying the Rosary with my family at home in the living room with the statue of Mary. This relationship with the Immaculate mother of Jesus continued into my college years at the University of Dayton, learning more about the Marianist charism, and being involved in music ministry–each year on December 8th, the university hosts a wonderful community event called Christmas on Campus that finishes with a beautiful liturgy for today’s feast.
The dogma of the Immaculate Conception states, “from the first moment of her conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of Mankind, kept free from all stain of original sin.” Through God’s grace, Mary was prepared for her “Yes” that we read about in the gospel today. The church began with a young jewish girl in an insignificant town on the edges of the most powerful empire in the world at the time. Mary is the new Eve, the mother of the church. God not only gave us his Son, he also gave us Mary as our mother. Though we do not deserve this grace, we have Mary as a powerful intercessor and perfect example of faith and presence. Mary was the first to say yes to Christ and is a steadfast presence in every facet of the life of Christ and his church–the nativity, his childhood, the wedding feast at Cana, the foot of the cross, pentecost.
So as we enter deeper into this season of Advent, I am compelled to look to Mary, full of grace, and ask, how am I called to this fullness? How might I continue to say yes to God? As we lit the first candle on our advent wreath earlier this week, we spoke to the kids about hope. What is it that we hope for this season? This is a time for joyous preparation and hope for what is to come. May the model of Mary remind us to craft our ‘yeses’ and our hearts after hers. Mary was the living sanctuary of Christ; the theotokos, God-Bearer. May we too embrace the unconditional love of our good and gracious God and bring Christ into the world through our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary
Pure and holy, Tried and true.
With Thanksgiving,
I’ll be a living, Sanctuary, for You.
Peace,
Brandon Meyer