Mass in English and German at 6:30 a.m.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Have you ever thought about what it means that Mary was “full of grace”? On December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate this incredible mystery: that from the very first moment of her life, Mary was free from sin. God’s grace shaped her completely so she could one day say a wholehearted “yes” to His plan for restoration and blessing. Her story reminds us that God’s love is always preparing something good, even before we can see it.

Imagine yourself standing in the Garden of Eden, just after the fall. You can almost feel the weight of Eve and Adam's first disobedience to God. The brokenness in their relationship hangs heavy in the air. You feel a deep longing in your heart for healing, for hope, for a way back to God. You sense that salvation is coming, and you are waiting.

Saying Yes With a Trusting, Open Heart

Then the scene shifts. Imagine that you are now in a quiet, small town in Galilee. In the stillness, the voice of the Archangel Gabriel calls out to Mary, a young girl in her home. “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” She looks up, and her eyes meet the angel’s eyes. He tells her that God has chosen her to bear His Son, Jesus who is to be the Messiah. She pauses, a little confused. Her mind is full questions, but at the same time, a deep trust and peace rise in her heart. She knows that God is here and what he is proposing is good. With loving confidence and dedication to God's service, she responded, “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

Can you feel the weight of that moment? Guiding her choice and surrender to God is a deep faith in Him and His providence. She knew from Israel's history that God was good and trusting in Him was the wise choice--as so many prophets had done before. She definitely didn’t have all the answers, but she could accept His proposal, fully depending on Him to accompany her every step of the way.

Trusting, One Step at a Time

Being born without sin, Mary had a purity of heart that made it natural for her to hear God's voice and accept Him into her life and heart with no barriers. In her life choices, Mary shows us what it means to trust in God and His plan completely. Being full of grace meant that she could fully open her heart and trust that God's plan for her was good and would bring goodness to generations after her. He had her (and all of humanity's) best interests at heart, both then and now. Like Mary, God invites us to open our hearts to Him, trusting that His plan will bear much fruit and goodness for us as well as to others, one step at a time.

reflect & Pray

Is there something that God could be inviting you to entrust to His goodness and tender care? A choice at work, home, or school? A hurt from the past that hasn't yet healed or an addiction you can't kick? What is one baby step you could take to trusting Him with even the smallest aspect of your life?

• M. Kyrou