Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

Our Gospel today, on this Feast of the Immaculate Conception reminds us that the miracle of Jesus’ birth, Son of God, Son of Mary occurred because Mary said, “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to our word.”

The dialogue between Mary and the Angel is a beautiful testimony to exactly what our God asks from each of us.  Our God wants us to move out of comfort zone and to something or become something that we have not planned.

Mary moved out of her comfort zone in a big way with her yes.  Mary might well be seen as the model for our response to God’s call in our lives, no matter if it is a small request to carry in the groceries or a profound moment of deciding to take that new job in a new city.

Like Mary, we need to act with courage and believe that, when we leap, God will provide the net.

Mary considered the challenge and then responded with her yes, because she trusted God.  In this time and place, may we do as Mary did by starting with our YES!