# Saying “Yes” to God on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
*2016-12-07*

> Bill Young reflects on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the biblical “yes” of Mary, sharing a meditation from Father Henry and a prayer of consecration to the Virgin Mary.

## Opening and Advent Context

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and also Thursday of the second week of Advent. We’re using the Advent reflections from *Prepare His Way: Hope and Healing, Justice and Peace* for today’s prayer.

## A Personal Encounter with Scripture

A few years ago I found an old Bible in my house that had been wrapped in contact paper. Inside I discovered a note from Mother Teresa that pointed me to Luke 1, the passage where Mary says “yes” to God. The timing was striking: the Gospel reading for the following day was exactly that passage. I took it as a reminder that God knows every detail of our lives and invites us to respond.

## Father Henry’s Meditation: “Saying Yes to God”

Father Henry’s reflection begins with the words of the Angel Gabriel to Mary: “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” He reminds us that during meditation we often let countless thoughts crowd our mind, yet Mary’s response was simple, trusting, and free of doubt. She did not question God’s plan; she surrendered completely, becoming the mother of Jesus and, consequently, the mother of all believers. Father Henry asks us to let the Holy Spirit guide our lives just as it guided Mary.

## Consecration to the Immaculate Virgin Mary

We now pray a consecration to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and our refuge:

All‑Holy Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven, refuge of sinners, we prostrate ourselves before you, unworthy as we are. Accept our whole being as your own, and use us for your holy purposes. May the Holy Spirit work in us the grace of conversion and holiness, that we might become instruments of Christ’s love in the world. Through your intercession, may the Kingdom of the Sacred Heart of Jesus spread to many hearts. Amen.

*Like Mary, we are called to answer God’s “yes” with trust and surrender.*