Immaculate Conception

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 2019 – Cycle ABC Genesis 3:9-15,20; Psalm 98; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38

Isn’t it odd that today’s Gospel tells the story of the conception of Jesus while we are gathered to celebrate the conception of Mary in the womb of Anne?  In so doing, the lectionary confuses for many Catholics the Immaculate Conception of Mary with the Virgin Birth of Jesus.  Nonetheless.

What does the later conception story of Jesus reveal to us about the conception of Mary and us?

The story is simple and familiar to all of us.  The Archangel Gabriel bursts in on Mary and she is told she will be the Mother of God and responds immediately, “May it be done according to your word”.  All paintings of the Annunciation throughout art history capture that moment.  Right?  NOT!

What is missing in our retelling and images of the Annunciation is an important dialogue that reveals much about Mary and challenges us in how we relate to God.  Mary’s immediate response is not that of the demure, obedient woman.  Mary shoots back with questions.  “Hang on a minute.  How is this going to happen?  I’m not sure about this.  Explain it to me”.

Only when Gabriel reassures Mary that God will not abandon her and would be with her did she finally consent.  Mary wanted answers and she got them.  Her faith was not a blind, fearful immature faith but rather an interactive faith with this God of Israel.  And when we don’t tell the full story we take out her – our – right to question God’s will for us.  It removes our natural skepticism.

What would have happened if Adam and Eve asked questions?  “Why can’t we eat from that tree?  It is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  The tree is good for food. It’s pleasing to the eye and for gaining wisdom.  Why don’t you want us to know the difference between evil and good?  What is death?  I wonder how the story would have proceeded if Eve and Adam asked some skeptical yet honest questions?

The conception of Mary by Anne and Joachim is nothing unusual.  Children are conceived every day.  What is unusual is our belief that Mary from the first moment of her conception was preserved from sin.  Did you ever question whether that took away Mary’s freedom of will?  Isn’t the gift of free will what makes us, in the image and likeness of God?  As some have posited, did other women previously turn God down?

God often confronts us with what is seemingly impossible.  Consider the Isaian images for Advent, beating swords in to plowshares and not preparing for war again; predator animals living peacefully with their prey.  Are we not skeptical of these dreams and hopes?

The immaculate, unstained, preserved from sin, conception of Mary should and can be the cause of questions.  Questions can strengthen a relationship including our relationship with God.  All relationships are a two way street.  Does God not have a responsibility to explain?  Does not a mature faith have a right to question?  This may be a much more Jewish understanding of relationship with God that I believe we Christians need to reclaim.

Have you ever questioned God’s will for you?  Mary did.  Did you ever consider that daring to ask questions in a relationship are a sign of deep trust and faith?  “What a minute.  How is this going to happen?”

Gratia tibi, Sr. Joan Chichester, OSB