# Speak quickly, Mary: reflections on the Immaculate Conception
*2017-12-08*

> Bill Young reflects on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, exploring the power of Mary's 'yes' and how we can invite God into our own lives.

## A Providential Opportunity

I want to share a short story with you. I was attending a two-day presentation on the life of St. Francis at St. Maximilian Kolbe in Pembroke Pines, Florida. On the final day, there was a consecration to Mary for the Immaculate Conception at 7:00 PM. I truly wanted to go, but I was already scheduled to work at my part-time job for an event featuring the Dead & Company. When I asked my boss if there was any way I wouldn't be needed, he told me the concert had been postponed because the lead singer had appendix issues. I couldn't believe it. God has mysterious ways of working, and He clearly wanted me to be there for that reconsecration to Mary for Jesus. It is amazing to see the power of God in these moments.

## The Joyous Reply

In our preparations for the coming of Christ, I want to share a short talk written by St. Bernard. He speaks of the great mystery announced to Mary and the astonishment and rejoicing that followed. St. Bernard writes that the angel was waiting for her answer, and that by one small word, the whole world would be restored. He urges her, 'Give your answer quickly, my lady. Speak the word which the earth and heavens are waiting for.' This leads us to ask: like Mary, how can I speak my 'yes' to God's coming to birth in my life?

## Understanding the Immaculate Conception

It is important to clarify a point of theology that many people confuse. The Immaculate Conception describes Mary's own conception in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. This is not to be confused with the Virgin Birth, which describes the birth of Jesus from the womb of Mary.

## A Leap of Faith

I remember a Bible I found a few years ago—a gift from my aunt, Sister Mary Teresa. It had been wrapped in contact paper, so I didn't realize it was a Bible until I opened it. Inside, she had highlighted verses and included a holy card. When I finally opened it after decades, the Bible was open exactly to the passage where Mary says 'yes' to the Lord. Coincidentally, the next day's Gospel reading was that very same passage. It reminded me that God knows every minute, every second, and every event of our lives. While we have free will, God knew the kind of person Mary was and her love for Him. Her 'yes' was a huge leap of faith. Imagine if she had said no; it is a horrible thought to consider. In a split second, her obedience changed the world and brought our Lord Jesus Christ into the world so that He could die on the cross for us.

## The Promise of Redemption

When Mary said yes, she had no idea the suffering and disrespect her son would endure. Yet, the good news is that He rose again in three days to proclaim the Gospel and free us from our sins. One day, He will return for the Second Coming, and Mary will be with Him. As we prepare for His coming during this season, we must remember that God is asking each of us to say 'yes' as well.

*Just as Mary's immediate 'yes' changed the course of human history, we are called to trust God and say yes to His work in our own lives.*