Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Readings of the Day 

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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