Today, we celebrate a profound mystery of our faith: Mary's Immaculate Conception. From the moment of her conception, she was preserved from original sin and chosen by God to bear His Son, Jesus Christ. Mary was uniquely prepared not just to carry Jesus in her womb but to live her entire life as a vessel of God's grace.
But this feast isn't just about Mary. It's about us, too. Think about that for a moment: God didn't just choose Mary. He chose us, too. Saint Paul reminds us, "In Him, we were also chosen" (Ephesians 1:11). Because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, every one of us is invited to carry Him in our hearts and to bear Him into the world.
This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility. I am reminded of my mother when I think about Mary's courage. As a son, I think about how my mother felt when she bore me into this world. Think of your mothers, too. Did she herald your coming? Was she pleased by the way you lived your life? My mother went home to God a few years ago; may God rest her. In contemplating her death, I have remembered the many times she showed her love for God, others, and me, as well as valuing everything she did for me during her lifetime. The love of a mother is unfailing and eternal.
Pointing Toward God
Knowing she was to bear the Son of God, Mary must have been overwhelmed with grace, disbelief, and honor. Even though she had no idea what this meant, she still said yes, putting her life in God's hands. What a blessing it is to be conceived without original sin! What a blessing to be chosen by God to bear His Son. What a blessing to be the vessel of our Lord and Savior. What a blessing to possess a soul filled with the grace of God.
Mary did not say, "Look at me; I am the best one around." Instead, she pointed to God and gave her life entirely for His glory and the world's salvation. Mary's "yes" reminds us that our calling isn't about seeking recognition or glory. It's about humility, obedience, and love.
It always starts with our parents, who were selfless and holy. Her parents were also saints. For God to take care of the divine part, they ensured the human part was well taken care of. Saint Ann and Saint Joachim loved Mary first and prepared a perfect vessel for the delivery of a perfect son in Jesus Christ.
Carrying Christ into the World
So today, my challenge for each of you is to Look into your heart and ask, "Am I carrying Christ with me wherever I go?" Are your words, actions, and deeds reflecting His love and light?
Our world needs Christ more than ever, and we are called to bring Him into our homes, workplaces, and communities. Once, a journalist asked Mother Teresa, “You’ve accomplished so much, but don’t you ever feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the poverty and suffering around you? How can one person make a difference?” She smiled and responded, “I am not called to be successful but to be faithful. I simply do what God asks of me, one small act of love at a time.”
Let Mary's example give you the courage to say "yes" to God. Will you say yes to this call? Will you carry Christ into the world today?
- Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
