Homily: Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Lk. 1:26-38) “Yes or No”

The Blessed Virgin is often pictured with her bare foot on the head of a snake, crushing its head. This is a striking image. We may wonder why she is depicted in this fashion.

We could say that it has to do with what we read in scripture today. In the first reading we have the story of the first parents in the Garden of Paradise. Adam and Eve lived in a utopian world where there was no sickness, no hunger, every need was met. In the garden of paradise there was complete security.

God only asked one thing which was that the first parents refrain from eating from one of the trees in the garden. We all know the story. The serpent comes into the garden to sow discord. First Eve, then Adam gives in to temptation. In effect they say no to God’s plan. The fact that they don’t keep their agreement with God not to eat the forbidden fruit leads to a series of events which ultimately cause the world they live in to disintegrate. Sin entered the world causing chaos. Adam and Eve lost trust in a benevolent God.

The stained relationship between God and humanity had to be healed. Could humans say yes rather than no to God? Would that yes begin the process of reconciliation? These questions were unanswered.

When God created Mary, the Lord knew he had created the woman who would be the new Eve. When asked to assist with the Lord’s plan for salvation Mary answered in the affirmative. In a sense, her yes offset the no of the first parents.

What is this new Eve like? Mary, we could say, is the ideal human that was first seen in the Garden of Eden. She was sinless. Because she was full of grace, she was so close to God that disagreeing or disobeying her creator was contrary to her very nature.

What does this mean for all of us? We are challenged to cooperate with God in our lives. We are faced with difficult choices all the time. Can we say yes to our God? Our faith tells us that if we can, we will find joy and satisfaction in our life.

We are reminded once again of the prayer of St. Ignatius Loyola when he says:

          “Take Lord all my liberty………. Your Love and your Grace are enough for me…. your love and your grace are enough for me.”

God’s love and grace were enough for Mary. If we can trust God completely, love and grace can be enough for us.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Have I ever thought of Mary and Eve as being connected? Does that change my perspective on the Annunciation?

2.    In what ways do I say no to God? In what ways do I say yes?

 Dear Parishioners,

           Advent is a season of penance. For that reason, we offer extra opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Each Saturday we offer an hour of for Reconciliation between 2:45 and 3:45 p.m. We also will be offering a Reconciliation Service the Monday before Christmas. Other Reconciliation times will be offered in the days before Christmas. Please watch our Bulletin for details.

          One of the things that will be a great addition to our Gathering Space will be a new Reconciliation Room. This will be a handicapped accessible space and penitents will not have to walk through the sacristy to get to the Reconciliation Room.

          This feature has not been sponsored yet. It would be great if someone would make the sacrifice to do this. Thanks to all who have donated features of our Gathering Center so far.

          May the Immaculate Conception pray for our country today.

          Fr. Mark.