# The Immaculate Conception: A joyful journey
*2014-12-07*

> On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Bill Young reflects on the power of saying 'yes' to God's will, drawing parallels between the Virgin Mary's fiat and our own personal struggles.

## A prayer for hope

Today is December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Before we dive into our meditations from 'A Joyful Journey,' I want to share a prayer given to me by my aunt, Sister Mary Teresa. It is a prayer to obtain the blessing of children: 'Hail and blessed be the hour, the moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary at midnight. In that hour, O my God, hear my prayer; grant my desires through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ.'

## The power of the 'yes'

In our reading for the second week of Tuesday in Advent, we encounter the words: 'Let it be done with me according to your word.' This resonates with me personally. When I was a young man, I longed for children of my own. When that didn't happen, I struggled and moaned. But finally, I embraced the idea of adoption. Because I gave that 'yes,' I was blessed with the gift of three sons who are my delight.

Everything good begins with a 'yes.' Mary provided the classic example of this. Her response to the angel's startling news—'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word'—was a graceful acceptance of God's plan.

## Letting go of our expectations

If we withhold our 'yes,' we never see what is truly in store for us. It is often very hard to let go of how we thought things would turn out, or what we think we need or desire. But once we let go and say 'yes' to what is, life truly begins.

## Facing our disappointments

For today's activity, I invite you to consider if there is some hurt, disappointment, or painful fact that you and your family just cannot face. It may be addiction, depression, unhealthy habits, a medical issue, a strained relationship, or a problem at work. Whatever it is, write it down in one truthful sentence. Then, sit with it for a while. As you recite the 'Handmaid' prayer, ask Mary to help you say 'yes' to the reality of your situation.

*By imitating Mary's graceful 'yes' to God, we can move past our disappointments and open ourselves to the blessings God has actually planned for us.*