NOTE: Throughout the Advent season, we’ll post reflections on the readings for Sundays and Holy Days in Advent. All reflections are archived on our Advent 2023 webpage.
The reflection below was written by Shannen Dee Williams for the 2014 Advent reflection booklet. This year’s booklet is still available for purchase at this link as an immediate download for your tablet or e-reader for $2.50.
By Shannen Dee Williams
Genesis 3:9-15, 20 | Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 | Luke 1:26-38
Mary said, “Behold, I am God’s handmaid. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Catholic Church teaches us that Mary was conceived in an immaculate state of grace by God in preparation for the coming of her son and our savior Jesus Christ. Today’s scripture from Luke recounts the fateful moment when the teenage Mary became aware of God’s plan for her life and had her faith put to the ultimate test.
Every one of us will face moments in our lives that will test our faith. The ongoing reality of mass suffering, hunger, poverty, and violence in our communities will undoubtedly call many of us to serve those in need in some of the most radical ways.
In these moments, let us always be reminded of the revolutionary courage of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although her obedience and acceptance of God’s will ensured the coming of Jesus into the world, it did not guarantee Mary a life free of pain and suffering. Accepting God’s will in our lives and living out our faith will always require sacrifice. But it will also guarantee us the greatest joy and peace known to humankind.
FOR REFLECTION:
- Am I open to the radical and revolutionary grace of God in my life?
- Am I prepared to accept God’s call and challenge for my life?
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Yes, and May we like Mary live the radical way of love.
Sr. Mary Lou Geraets
The mythology of this teaching is quite valuable . Although the teaching itself challenges reason and follows the mythic scenarios of original sin and the transgressions in the Garden of Eden the story brings us face to face with ultimate arrogance. That is being our own God and the consequences that ensue thereafter. Today we see the consequences in the farm of war and national acts that lead to war all consequences of the story of original sin.
The following sentence by Shannen Dee Williams says it all, and is all that we need read: “The ongoing reality of mass suffering, hunger, poverty, and violence in our communities will undoubtedly call many of us to serve those in need in some of the most radical ways.” AMEN!
Beyond that, belief in the Immaculate Conception of Mary, of course, necessitates belief in original sin. And the story of the “creation” of original sin as the Church teaches from the reading in Genesis is nonsensical. Furthermore, that every innocent baby is born already with this original sin is not only nonsensical but wholly unjust; a loving god would NOT do this!!
As the story in the Bible goes, Mary was brave as she watched her son suffer and die unjustly. I see that sorrow relived in a Black mother when she sees her son unjustly killed by those sworn to Protect and Serve or vigilantes meting out some perversion of justice.
But I wouldn’t say that the “teenage Mary” showed “revolutionary courage” when the angel Gabriel told her that her son would be “great” and the “Son of God” and that “of his kingdom there will be no end”. No courage would be required to accept that majestic honor, although she could be forgiven for doubting the veracity of that visit! But then, there was no free will on her part. The fact that she was immaculately conceived years before for this very mission meant she had to accept it.
I think that “the greatest joy and peace known to humankind” will be achieved not by “accepting God’s will in our lives” but by rejecting all religions, which only divide us needlessly. You are born a certain “race”, sex, nationality and culture but you can choose your religion…or not!