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The Word Among Us

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

Meditation
Genesis 3:9-15, 20

No matter what else we may say about today, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is first and foremost a celebration of the Father’s perfect plan. It is a recognition that even Mary’s conception was carefully planned so that she could become a perfect vessel for the Son of God. Just think: From all eternity, God had planned that he would bring his Son into the world through a woman whom he would preserve from original sin. Imagine how intricately God must have worked in Mary’s life so that she could play her part!

Do you believe that God created you with as much care and love as he did Mary? He did! Do you believe that he is as proud of you and what he has called you to do as he is of Mary? He is! Everything about your life has been carefully attended to so that you could fulfill your destiny, and God is always with you to help you.

None of us is just a random occurrence. We have not been left here to evolve alone. Every one of our lives fits into a master plan, something we can learn about and embrace as we spend time in prayer and Scripture. Parts of this plan are common to all of us. For example, we know that God wants us to be holy and full of love and praise for him (Ephesians 1:4-6). But each of us is designed to fulfill these callings in our own unique way.

Mary was destined to take up a particular role in salvation history. And it is no different for you. You were uniquely created to play a vital role in his kingdom. Seek God in prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and selfless giving. As you do, he will show you what part he has called you to play. And don’t worry—what the Father intends for you to do with your life, he will empower you to do. Only you can fulfill your role, and he will provide the grace you need to carry out his plans. Seek him and trust the Holy Spirit to help you accomplish all that God needs you to become.

“Almighty Father, how mysterious and inscrutable are your ways! I want to fulfill your plan for my life. Lead me to trust more fully in you as you work through me to bring about your kingdom.”

One Bread, One Body

<< Wednesday, December 8, 2004 >>

Immaculate Conception

Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

Psalm 98
Luke 1:26-38

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THE RICHEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD

“Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens!” —Ephesians 1:3

Some of our Protestant brothers and sisters accuse Catholics of complicating the faith. Catholics insist on the hierarchical Church, the deposit of the faith, the Magisterium, the liturgical year, and several other complex systems. Then we bring up Mary, and, if that’s not enough, we speak of her Immaculate Conception, the virgin-birth of her Son, Jesus, her assumption into heaven, and her roles as mediatrix and queen of heaven. We seem to complicate our complications. Actually, we are letting the all-holy, triune God lavish His riches on us.

Mary is the quintessential example of spiritual richness. She has always been astoundingly rich in holiness, purity, and power. She truly is the queen of heaven and earth with all the riches accompanying queenship. Mary is the example of what the Lord has in store for us. He wants to make us immaculate through repentance and then take us up to heaven where we will reign forever with Him. Then we will be rich beyond all measure and imagining.

Today’s celebration of Mary’s Immaculate Conception brings up “immeasurably more than we ask or imagine” (Eph 3:20). Let God be God, and enrich us in a most mysterious way.

Prayer: Father, I rejoice that You are a God way beyond my understanding.

Promise: “Mary said: ‘I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say.’ ” —Lk 1:38

Praise: “How deep are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!” (Rm 11:33) Praise You, Lord, for Mary’s obedient response to Your plan for salvation.