Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. – Lk 1:38
I find the Immaculate Conception a wonderful yet challenging day to be a theology teacher. It is difficult to explain how the feast doesn’t actually refer to Jesus’ conception. There is no biblical reference to Mary conceiving without original sin. The passage is about the Annunciation. Yet, in the midst of this confusion, is a particular beauty. The Lord shows respect, care, and love for the human condition. Mary is given the choice to be the mother of our Lord.
We all appreciate a chance to make our own decisions and to participate in God’s plan. Mary learns of God’s plan for her: “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus” (Luke 1:31). The angel gives Mary space to process this information and ask questions about how something so incomprehensible could be possible. Mary struggles; she doubts; not with the power of God, but with her ability to live up to such privilege. In the end, Mary trusts God’s love for her by replying “May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). God knows we need a chance to wrestle with His will and allows us space to ask questions knowing we will put our trust in Him. We believe God wants what is best for us and that with a little bit of faith, we will see the wonders of his love.
Lord, as we move into this second week of Advent, help us to be like Mary, to accept who we are and what God has called us to be. Teach us to listen to the angels in our lives, calling us to turn our doubts into curiosities, our fear into faith, as we await for your arrival among us this Christmas.
Lauren Connolly