Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.

~Romans 7:19

Mary the Mother of Jesus was both conceived free from original sin and preserved from sin throughout her life. That’s the reason for today’s feast, and for we who struggle with our sins, it can be an overwhelming feast. Keenly aware of our utter inability to hold it together for half an hour, let alone a whole lifetime, it can feel like today is the commemoration of an impossible standard.

There are three reminders that can help us who have difficulties grow more comfortable with this feast:

Mary was prepared for her place in salvation history, not yours or mine. We who must wait for eternity to shake off the last vestiges of sin can trust that God has, all the same, made a way for each of us that is what our souls need most.
Salvation is not a contest, it’s a gift. Mary is not a disdainful victor, looking down on us losers. She’s our very champion. We’re on the same team, and we can be helped by those members who are stronger than ourselves.
Sinlessness doesn’t mean freedom from mishap. Though without sin, Mary lost track of her own Son for three days—and he was a boy without sin. Not all of our apparent failings are signs of guilt.

For those of us who find the Immaculate Conception easy to understand and contemplate, today is a good day to pray for those who have difficulties with the Catholic faith.

Mary, Mother of God, when I am sinful and weak, stand in my place for a while and pray that God would strengthen me.

To Ponder: What is your relationship with the Immaculate Conception? Is it easy for you? Comfortable? Consoling? Or does it challenge you in some way?
~ Jennifer Fitz

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