The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
“In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.” -Ephesians 1:12
As crisp evening approaches earlier in the day, I can’t help but notice the parallels to our own faith journey: Darkness physically (and perhaps spiritually) comes in, while we wait in hope for the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. Like Eve in our first reading, we may get caught up in our “winter” season of faith and doubt God’s plan. When I first moved back to Houston, I witnessed my former season of life in Fort Worth turn cold - from career and health complications, to meaningful relationships falling away. I became disillusioned. Instead of willingly turning my whole being to say yes to God in the changing season of life, I looked inwards. I willfully chose to shut everyone out to control my disappointment.
Thankfully, today’s beautiful celebration of the Immaculate Conception of Mary reminds us of God’s ongoing invitation to trust in His plan. We are chosen for His specific purposes. His ways are certainly not our ways, and likely different from how we envisioned things. Yet, He desires us to allow Him to guide our journey to His will, not ours. In today’s Gospel reading, Mary willingly embraces God’s plan even at the risk of possibly being rejected by Saint Joseph and ending up alone. Mary stepped up to be the “handmaid of the Lord”, simply responding with, “may it be done to me according to your word.” Mary models for us how to answer God with our heart willingly and lovingly, over Eve’s willful disobedience and blame.
The contrast between Eve and Mary’s acceptance of God’s invitation challenges us to reflect on how we respond to Him in everyday life. Will we hide, avoid discomfort, and take matters into our own hands like Eve? Or courageously, joyfully and willingly act and move, like Mary? Not just in the big decisions, but in the small ones too. This week, join me in re-shifting our perception to see the opportunity, growth, and blessing in God’s plans. Whether it is going out of your way to sit with someone different at work or at the family Christmas gathering, or not hitting that snooze button in the morning (guilty!). Our responses matter in our daily lives, so let’s make them count. He is with us and we can be comforted that He knows what’s best for us.
Let’s pray:
“Mother Mary, on this Feast of your Immaculate Conception, you show us your willing acceptance of our Lord’s command, despite the circumstances. Please pray for our strength to praise and fulfill our longings in Christ, even when all seems hopeless or confusing. May we be inspired to follow your example and allow the Lord to direct our steps in both big and small moments. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Mylinh Vo is a native Houstonian continually working to grow in her faith and closer to Christ. In her free time, you can find her spending time outdoors, with friends and family, dancing, or watching the Holiday Baking Championship. She is grateful to be the local kitting & shipping member of Every Sacred Sunday and a new conference coordinator at the Saint John Paul II Foundation. Come say hi sometime!