MARY WAS DESTINED TO TAKE UP A PARTICULAR ROLE IN SALVATION HISTORY (A biblical reflection on the Solemnity of THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY – Saturday, 8 December 2012) Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12 First Reading: Gen 3:9-15,20; Psalms: Ps 98:1-4; Gospel Reading: Lk 1:26-38 The Scripture Text Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. He destined us in love to be His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him, according to the purpose of Him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of His will, we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of His glory. (Eph 1:3-6,11-12 RSV) From all eternity, God had a plan for His Son – that He would bring Him into the world through a woman whom He would preserve from original sin. The feast of the Immaculate Conception is actually a celebration of the Father’s perfect plan. It is a recognition that even Mary’s conception was carefully planned so she could become a perfect vessel for God the Son. How intricately God worked in Mary’s life so that she could play her part! As with Mary, God has also planned every detail of our lives. Do you believe that God created you with as much care and love as He did Mary? He did! Everything about your life has been carefully attended to so that you could fulfil your destiny. None of us is just a random occurrence. God has not left us here to evolve alone. We can learn more about and come to follow God’s plan, just as Mary did, by seeking guidance from Him. Parts of His plan are common to all of us. We know He wants us to be holy, full of love and praise for Him (Eph 1:4-6). But to explore our specific roles, we each need to remain vigilant and be responsive to God’s call in our lives. 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 fulfil 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. Short Prayer: Heavenly Father, how mysterious and inscrutable are Your ways! I want to fulfil Your plan for my life. Lead me to trust more fully in You as You work through me to bring about Your Kingdom. Amen.