Homily from Immaculate Conception Feast Day

Today’s readings, are in my opinion some of the most beautiful, and significant in our Catholic tradition. In the first reading, we hear God’s infamous, and history altering judgment on Adam and Eve. They have been planted in the middle of Paradise. They want for nothing, they are destined to live forever in good health and joy in the presence of the God who created them. The devil tempts them by convincing them that the reason God doesn’t want them to eat of the fruit of that famous tree is because then they will be like God. What they don’t realize is…they already are. Despite this sin however, God promises that He will fix things. He promises that there will come a woman who will live in “enmity” with the serpent.

The word “enmity” means separation. He promises a woman who will be spared from the serpent and his scorn, who will be graced from the beginning and spared Original Sin. Centuries later we come to the story we hear in the Gospel tonight. The angel Gabriel comes from God and asks Mary to be the mother of the Savior. Because she has lived a life of purity and sinlessness, she is not blinded by the clouds of doubt or fear, and she not only says “yes” she says “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me as you say.“

Adam and Eve demonstrate in their behavior the most ancient quality in humanity - our frail human nature. They stand face to face with God and receive one request - don’t eat from that ONE tree - which they break on the grounds of being tempted with greater glory, while Mary receives a seemingly absurd request from an unseen God and she responds with an ardent and heartfelt yes.

Perhaps often in life we end up like Adam and Eve instead of Mary. We are given so many gifts, but we send so much time analyzing and searching for more, we decide that what He has given us is not enough, and we go after something we don’t really need. We never think that what we have is enough, and we are always striving to acquire more. Sometimes however, this goes beyond a basic and healthy motivation to improve ourselves, and moves into selfishness. Sometimes we over pursue our pride, sometimes we loose ourselves in meaningless things, in empty pursuits, or if we are not careful, we find ourselves dancing with the dangers of addiction

The message of today is clear. We have to trust that God always gives us exactly what we need to accomplish what He calls us to. Mary knew that - that’s why she gave such an ardent “yes”. So which side of the line do we fall on? Do we trust in what He has given us? Or are we looking for more that we may not even need. It‘s different for all of us, and we all have our weaknesses, and it is important for us to be able to identify them, lest they get the best of us. It is not until we look past these temptations and weaknesses, that we like Mary, will be able to fully respond to His call in our lives, and fulfill the role He has in mind for each and everyone of us in His kingdom.

God Bless You