The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By: Father Steve Baumann
The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was defined on December 8, 1854 by Pope Pius IX. It declares that “the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the first instant of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace of the Omnipotent God, in virtue of the advance merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind, was preserved immaculate from all stain of original sin.” This doctrine is not found explicitly in Sacred Scripture, however it has been part of Catholic tradition from the earliest centuries of the Church and therefore, the liturgy applies Scripture to highlight key aspects of that teaching.
The most important focus for the liturgy (mass) is the Angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, depicted in our Annunciation window, concerning the birth of Jesus. While this story has many interesting details, today’s feast concentrates on Mary. St. Luke goes to great lengths to depict Mary as an ordinary young girl from a humble environment. She is betrothed to be married to Joseph, as were many girls of her young age. Her life was headed along a familiar path towards marriage and family life. But when the Angel Gabriel entered the story, Mary’s life changes beyond anything that anyone could ever have imagined. From this moment on, her life will be anything but ordinary.
The first two things proclaimed about Mary from Gabriel is that she is full of grace and that she has found favor with God. Grace and favor are the divine qualifications through which Mary will become mother of the Son of the Most High. It is precisely from this perspective that the Church throughout the centuries has concluded that such an immaculate vessel must be thoroughly without flaw. Thus, the Church’s conclusion that that Mary was untouched by original sin and immaculately conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne.
There is no indication in the Gospel passage from St. Luke that Mary herself was aware of any of this. Her simple response to the Angel Gabriel’s explanation of what is going to happen to her is a reasonable one: “How can this be since I have no relations with a man?”
The dynamic running throughout this entire story is not knowledge and understanding of how God works – which is an impossibility for us. Instead, it is all about faith, and Mary is the central character whose “yes” to God makes God’s plan possible. In fact, as we know, Mary said “yes” many times during her life, not just this once. She and St. Joseph were absolutely obedient to God’s will. As the Angel Gabriel explained, “Nothing will be impossible for God.” Many things are impossible for humans, especially, when they attempt to take the place of God, with control in life. And that never works.
We can benefit from meditating upon Luke’s Annunciation story – really, the story of our parish. For example, what does it mean to be graced and favored by God? The actions of God seldom follow human logic and often defy our understanding. Humans, particularly this year, spend a great deal of time grieving about the past and being anxious about the future, neither of which they can change or control.
There is a lot to be learned from Mary, the handmaid of the Lord. She firmly believed that nothing was impossible for God. Do we? Therefore, without fear, she could say, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Being immaculately conceived is not an option for humans. Believing that nothing is impossible for God is. Being graced and favored by God empowers Faith, for Mary and for us. God has blessed us in many ways, starting with our Baptisms, and continually through the other Sacraments.
Mary gave of herself generously. At this time of year, as we prepare for Christmas, there are many demands made on us by our family and work circumstances. At times we may feel overwhelmed. These can also be seen as opportunities to be patient, generous, and gracious, because of our love for God and desire to be of service. In so many ways we are challenged by Mary’s example, and by the Church, to respond with generosity and love.