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Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Readings of the Day 
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Today, on this Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we acknowledge and
celebrate Mary's conception, free from the stain of original
sin. It's easy to imagine that without this stain, Mary's
"yes" to God's plan was a simple decision or even an
automatic one. Yet today's Gospel reading gives us a glimpse of
the internal struggle that accompanied Mary's fiat.

Luke tells us that Mary "was greatly troubled" by the
Angel's words as she pondered his greeting. Upon hearing that
she was to become the mother of the Lord, she asked "how can
this be?" Even Mary, a woman of deep faith and conceived without
sin, wrestled to make sense of God's plan for her life. She
didn't know how things would turn out, but in a leap of faith,
her response was one of complete surrender - "I am the handmaid
of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."

This year continues to be one of great uncertainty. How many times
have we asked, "how can this be?" as we have mourned the
loss of loved ones, experienced or witnessed racial violence, and
responded to unprecedented requests for help from those impacted
physically, emotionally and financially by COVID-19. Our agencies,
parishes and families have been stretched and challenged beyond
imagination. We don't know what the future holds, but on this
feast day, let us turn to Mary for her inspiration and intercession so
that we too may surrender our doubts and fears and embrace God's
plan for our lives.

Allison Cavazos is the Associate Director of Parish Relations for
Catholic Charities of Central Texas in Austin and chair of the CCUSA
Parish Social Ministry Leadership Team.




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