Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

 


SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION


On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate not just the Virgin Mary, but also the God of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He is a faithful God; when he issues a calling, he likewise provides you with what you need so that you can live out that calling. In the case of Mary, she will serve as the Ark of the New Covenant (see Revelation 11:19). We know that the ark of the original covenant took shape through a combination of exquisite materials, superior craftsmanship, and divine direction (see Exodus 37). The stone tablets outlining the Ten Commandments would be housed within this sacred and exceedingly ornate vessel. 


Roughly fourteen hundred years later, a New Covenant will be inaugurated. Jesus, who personifies the New Covenant, will reside within the womb of Mary for nine months. For all practical purposes, she will function as the New Ark. As the initial ark was the result of an extremely careful and detailed process, we will be able to say something very similar about the one who becomes designated as the New Ark. She will be “crafted” from the very first moment of her conception within the womb of St. Anne. She will be blessed with an Immaculate nature, untouched by the stain of Adam’s original sin. In this way, she becomes worthy to bear the Savior, the One who embodies a New and Perfect Covenant. 


In other words, God begins preparing Mary for her calling, while she is being formed within the womb of her mother. Again, he doesn’t just issue the calling; he also provides what will be needed so that the calling can be fulfilled. By way of illustration, consider the Mercury astronauts from 1962. Along with being assigned a mission, they also have to be trained, and they have to be properly equipped (steps portrayed in the 1983 film, The Right Stuff). It would be irresponsible to send these volunteers into space without the benefit of proper training and the appropriate equipment. Similarly, the Lord can be counted upon. Mary herself acknowledges this in her Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). 


Therefore, today’s feast represents more than just a celebration of Mary. We are likewise celebrating the God of Mary—a God who is truly faithful. He calls Mary for a singular purpose, and he blesses her accordingly, so that she can actually live out that calling. Bear this in mind as you commune with the Lord in prayer. At some point you will discern that the Lord is calling you for a particular role, a particular vocation. Appreciate the fact that he is both a challenging God and also a faithful God. When he calls you, he also endows you with what you need so that you can satisfy that calling. Mother Teresa puts it this way: God doesn’t call those who are equipped; rather, he equips those who are called. 

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