I Wanna Be Like Mary, but I'm Afraid

Mosaic at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this special day each year, we celebrate the moment Mary of Nazareth, daughter of Saints Anne and Joachim, was conceived as a pure vessel to one day bear the Christ Child within her womb.

Naturally, she had to be pretty special to be chosen. She had to be Immaculate, spared of original sin at the very moment of her conception, to be worthy to bear Our Lord within her. She didn't know it, and her parents didn't know it. But Mary's body and vocation would open the gateway for our Salvation, for us who were born with original sin and continue to turn to sin again and again.

What a gift! I love the wisdom of the Church to place this Solemnity in the Second Week of Advent to remind us. Begin at the beginning when Blessed Mary was conceived in her mother's womb. It was the First Century BC. Sit for a moment and consider the myriad graces bestowed on humanity since then. Allow your mind to only show you the Joyful Highlight Reel, not the sad and tragic parts. Allow the depth of the goodness God has given to envelop your heart.

The structure of today's Mass Readings walks us through the story so beautifully. Genesis reminds us of the first Eve, who fell from grace. Then we move into the Responsorial Psalm to set the new tone for the coming of the new Eve.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

Next, we hear the Good News that Saint Paul shared with believers in the ancient city of Ephesus, that all of humanity has been blessed in Jesus Christ.

In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.

Finally, we hear in the Gospel of Luke how the angel appeared to the Virgin Mary and revealed God's plan for her life.

"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

In response, Mary briefly pondered; How could she possibly be the one for this incredible mission? Though she didn't fully understand, she trusted and surrendered to God's will. She humbly gave a simple yet weighty response and fulfilled her destiny that had been set forth in her mother's womb.

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word."

I wanna be like Mary, don't you?

Let's walk through this together, placing ourselves in Mary's story.

Mary was young, setting into motion her new life with her future husband, Joseph. Remember being young and dreaming of what your life would be like once you completed school, got out of your parents' home, started a career, and looking forward to someday being married?

Then out of nowhere, an angel appears in front of her and speaks.

Mary had never seen an angel in real life. She didn't know anyone who had. Neither have we, and it's hard to imagine it — especially when it's a talking angel with a message from God!

The angel's greeting troubled Mary.

The angel said Mary was full of grace and in the presence of the Lord. I certainly wouldn't feel worthy of that. Skepticism would undoubtedly overtake me. I might even run and hide, or run to a therapist to see if I was hallucinating.

Seeing her hesitation, the angel told Mary not to be afraid.

Excuse me? Do not be afraid? Being told NOT to be afraid automatically makes me brace for the worst. Yes, I am certain I would be very afraid!

Her life's purpose was presented to her. She would give birth to the Savior of the World.

No pressure. God's got this, as they say! Well, I can say that and write that and hope that. But I'm certain I would feel very unworthy and very much afraid!

The angel explained it would all happen through the Holy Spirit because God can do seemingly impossible things.

Mary was a virgin, and she was committed to marry Joseph. How could she suddenly be with child? Believing in miracles is one thing, but how would she explain this to her parents, her friends, and most especially Joseph?

Mary didn't need further explanation or evidence. She was all in. As soon as she agreed to the plan, the angel left.

I would undoubtedly have more questions for the angel. I would ask for reinforcements, maybe even proof, so that everyone wouldn't laugh, dismiss, condemn, shame, and think I needed serious psychiatric care!

I wanna be like Mary.

I want to always be attentive so that I hear the Lord in my prayer. I want to simply respond YES with complete trust in God's plan for me. I want to stop doubting, like I often do, and embrace life with true joy. I don't want to slip into uncertainty after agreeing to His plan. I want to accept the crosses of negative opinions and walking down uncertain paths with humility and grace.

Continuing our study of Advent Reflections for Our World Today, be not afraid! Let us say YES:

• Enliven a stagnant area of our Faith with a new practice.

• Quiet the noise and welcome the Lord's presence in the silence.

• Recommit to being our very best in our work and relationships.

• Be more joyful in our praise and worship to honor the Lord.

• Discern what pulls us away from God, turn away from distractions and bad habits.

• Seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation to confess and receive His forgiveness.

• Be made anew by His Mercy and be better prepared for His Coming.

HAPPY ADVENT

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