December 22: Mary
Traditional Ornament: Rose or Lily
Reading: Luke 1: 26-55
“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus” (Luke 1:31)
Today’s reading begins with the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she is to be the mother of the Son of God. Each year on March 25th we celebrate this day with the Solemnity of the Annunciation which marks the moment of Jesus’ conception and incarnation (the Word made flesh). The importance of the Annunciation cannot be overstated. Jesus became human not on the day of his birth, but at the moment of his conception in his mother’s womb. Jesus had the full human experience, including that of an unborn child.
We sometimes refer to Mary as the “New Eve” because of her humble “Yes” to God. In the garden, Eve had appropriated for herself that which was God’s to give. At the Annunciation, Mary was the willing recipient of what God wanted to give to her, and through her to all the world. Mary’s response was not that of a pre-programmed robot, she had the freedom to say “No” to God, just as Eve had. God does not force His will on us, and Mary’s Immaculate Conception did not preclude her own free will.
At the Annunciation, the salvation of all humanity rested on Mary’s response, just as it had with Eve in the garden. This Advent, as we hopefully wait for the coming of the Savior, we also recognize that it could not happen without the free and humble “Yes” of Mary.
© 2017 Catechist’s Aide
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