Dec 8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On this and the following eight days, the Church celebrates, with particular solemnity, the immaculate conception of the ever-blessed Virgin Mary who, from all eternity, was chosen to be the daughter of the heavenly Father, the spouse of the Holy Ghost, the Mother of the Divine Redeemer, and, by consequence, the queen of angels and of men.
The consideration of these prerogatives convinced the most enlightened fathers and teachers of the Catholic Church that she was conceived immaculate, that is, without original sin. It is very remarkable that among the shining hosts of saints who have, in every century, adorned the Church, no one wrote against this belief, while we find it confirmed by the decisions of the holy fathers from the earliest times.
Pope Pius IX forced, as it were, by the faith and devotion of the faithful throughout the world, finally on 8 December 1854, sanctioned, as a dogma of faith falling within the infallible rule of Catholic traditions, this admirable prerogative of the Blessed Virgin.
It is, therefore, now no longer, as formerly, a pious belief, but an article of the faith that Mary, like the purest morning light which precedes the rising of the most brilliant sun, was, from the first instant of her conception, free from original sin.
- Patron Saint Index
Gen 3:9-15,20
Eph 1:3-6,11-12
Lk 1:26-38
Before the world was made, he chose us, chose us in Christ, to be holy and spotless...
Today marks the celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a day that invites reflection on the profound encounter between the angel Gabriel and the young Mary. Whenever I think of Mary, two things come to mind.
Firstly, as I envision the scene, I can’t help but wonder how a 14-year-old would react to such a celestial visitation – an angelic being, resplendent and radiant, delivering a message that would forever alter the course of her life. Betrothed at a tender age to a young man, merely five years her senior, Mary finds herself confronted with the unimaginable: “Listen, you are to conceive and bear a son…” The weight of this revelation must have been immense for a young girl to bear. In the midst of her adolescence, Mary is entrusted with a divine mission that transcends human understanding. It’s easy to envision the shock, the uncertainty, and the overwhelming emotions that might flood the heart of a teenager faced with such a monumental responsibility.
Secondly, Mary’s fiat, her profound “yes” to the divine plan unfolding before her. Yet, this ‘yes’ doesn’t come without its challenges and inner turmoil. Perturbed and puzzled, Mary, an unblemished young girl, grapples with the inconceivability of the angel’s message. Could this be a mistake? Nevertheless, in a moment of courageous surrender, she utters the words that echo through the ages: “Let what you have said be done to me.” Her fiat was not an easy one. This ‘yes’ led to many ‘yes’-s that would define her journey.
Today’s second reading reminds us that like Mary, we too are chosen by God. “Before the world was made, he chose us, chose us in Christ, to be holy and spotless…” Mary was chosen by God. She was indeed spotless. She had God’s favour and she was chosen to be the mother of His Son. As I ponder on this, I wonder if I have to be holy and without defect to be chosen by God. This is certainly not a standard I can uphold. I am neither perfect nor worthy to be placed in such a ‘premium’ position as to be chosen.
But brothers and sisters, we are all chosen. It is not our perfection or our capacity for perfection that makes us worthy of this honour. Instead, Christ — who offered himself as the perfect sacrifice — is the one through whom we are chosen. Therefore, by God’s generosity, we are declared worthy in Christ rather than having earned it.
My thoughts go back to Mother Mary and her ‘yes’. She must be exceptionally special for God to have chosen her, set apart for an extraordinary purpose of being the Mother of God’s son.
If that were so, then, we too must also be special in God’s eyes to be chosen! It’s an awe-inspiring thought, albeit a bit intimidating. Mary’s privileged position was not one that was cushy nor comfortable. Her ‘yes’ came with many challenges and much pain. Yet, she pressed on, unwavering in her trust in God’s plan for her and her son.
Can we, brothers and sisters too, say “Yes” and trust God, as Mary did? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” we should. But I know in my heart, I am also a teeny weeny scared.
As you read today’s reflection, I would be away on a much needed silent retreat in Cebu. One of the pre-retreat questions was “What have been 2-3 most important concerns that occupied your heart these past three months or so?” My one preoccupation in this season of life is… the future. What would I live a purposeful last quarter of life (assuming life expectancy of women is 85.9 years). How would I not squander the time and talents God has gifted me with? When will I stop procrastinating and giving excuses? Am I strong enough in faith, to withstand the trials that come with my ‘yes’? No, I am not. But I don’t have to do this myself. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Three steps I can take:
- Identify My Fears
- Choose to Trust God with My Fears
- Seek God until He Takes Away My Fears.
I may not be as perfect and spotless as Mary. But still I can avail myself to God’s plans for me and trust that He will guide me.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Geraldine Nah)
Prayer: Teach me Mother, to be like you. Pray for me to have the courage and strength to follow God’s plans for me.
Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for the gift of Mother Mary, a perfect example of a trusting and faithful woman.
OXYGEN 
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