December 9, 2019 THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY-A

Genesis 3:9-15, 20

Psalm 98

Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

Luke 1:26-38

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be?” Lk. 1:34

“May it be done to me according to your word.”  Lk.1:38

Lord, Mary had a very logical and reasonable question for Gabriel.  She couldn’t see how the angel’s words could come true in her.  It was a very human concern.  But she didn’t let her lack of understanding of how God’s will could be done hold her back.  Her answer to Gabriel was a divine one.  Her answer was a complete and full surrender to the will of God no matter where that surrender would take her.  How holy and grace-filled was her “yes”!  A pure and spotless woman of complete faith was chosen to be your mother.  Yet in her free will could have chosen the easy way.  She could have told the angel to select someone else.   You created Mary to be without sin as a person to bring salvation to a fallen world.  How awesome is your plan.  You have an awesome plan for me too.  I too have been chosen to live the will of God in ways I don’t understand.  I too ask “how can this be?”  I may sometimes choose to follow the way of Adam and Eve in disobedience.  But you have provided a remedy for this failed choice.  Thank you dear Jesus for the grace to say “yes” like Mary.  Amen.