Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the day we honor Our Mother Mary, remembering the day that God gave her a special grace and holiness.
Last night I lectored the vigil mass at the little church across the street from my house. Father spoke so lovingly about Mary, and I feel compelled to share his meditations with you!
Remember, dear reader, that God chose to redeem his servant Mary at the very point of her conception (which happened in her mother Saint Anne's womb), thus keeping Mary unstained from original sin.
It's beautiful to ponder that Mary was like us in every way except sin. She is the perfect example for us to follow!
But even though she was sinless, Mary still was a very real person living in this very real world, and from it she experienced bumps, bruises, aches, and pains along the way.
Like an ordinary person, she had to do ordinary things every day. She swept the floor, washed the laundry, changed diapers, and endured sickness.
She cried when she experienced devastation, and she aged and got wrinkles like the rest of us.
When she was old, perhaps she suffered from arthritis or forgetfulness or an inability to take care of herself, needing the people around her to be merciful with her shortcomings. But through it all, I am certain that Mary was joyful. None of these experiences are the result of sin, for Mary did not sin. Instead, these comprise the experience of the human person living in a world affected by sin.
Our Lady was the perfect example of what it means to be a great servant of God and follower of Christ. Mary integrated into every aspect of her life her desire to do God's will. May we all entrust ourselves to her care and guidance, that we may be better servants of God and followers of Christ!
