The Immaculate Conception Feast Day December 8th

The Immaculate Conception

December 8th

Eileen Renders

Another mystery deserving answers. I grew up attending a Parochial School and was taught by Catholic nuns throughout my schooling. I accepted the religion in which I was baptized, and I always believed in the faith as it was taught to me throughout the years. Still, admittedly, I am and have always been a curious individual. The first one to say, “I wonder why.” Therefore, as a young adult, I asked myself many questions about our faith and searched for answers that would help me understand the mysteries we accept, yet do not always understand. The meaning of faith is believing without understanding.    

For example, why was Mary chosen to become the mother of Jesus? Why was she born without sin long before she was asked to accept the role of becoming the mother of Jesus Christ? Why is it that she was chosen?

Some research indicates that she, Mary, came from a long lineage of good, spiritual ancestors. She was also young and pure. And yes, she was humble and accepted that role without knowing what might lie ahead. She knew not what she might be taking on, yet agreed wholeheartedly. In fact, it all began with the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, causing Mary to carry within her womb the baby Jesus.

Being a child of about 16 years of age, and engaged to Saint Joseph, when Mary received a visit from an angel and was told of God’s plan, Mary said, “Let it be done unto me according to your will.”

When Joseph was told of Mary being with child, he was confused and pondered the pending marriage. Joseph then also received a visit from an angel assuring him that Mary was indeed a virgin, and it is God’s will that she would bear God’s only son, Jesus, and she has accepted. Joseph wanted to protect her, and they did indeed marry.

Mary was humble, and God blessed her with understanding, mercy, and joy. Her sacrifices were many, such as fleeing from King Herod the Great when he commanded his soldiers to kill all newly born male babies. St Joseph and Mary traveled many miles by donkey and into Egypt to find safety.

Mary’s submission to God was always, “Let it be done unto me according to Your will.” Thus, we pray, “Hail Mary, full of grace…….”

Mary suffered as no other mother could, the agony and heartache of seeing her son, the creator of all mankind, beaten and nailed to a heavy Cross until death. Before Jesus died, in His concern for His mother, He turned to His mother while looking at His Apostle John, saying, “Woman, behold thy son”, making her the mother of us all. He then turned to John, saying, “Behold thy mother.” It is written that the Apostle John took Mary to his home after Jesus died on the Cross. This example shows us how God wants all adult children to care for their parents and bring them into their home when they are unable to take care of themselves, which is interpreted as part of the Fourth Commandment.

Jesus did not teach us through His words only, but also by His example, as testified by the Apostles' written word in the Bible. Who, other than God the Father, could love and be witness to Jesus’ great love and sacrifice for us, the sinners who caused Jesus’ pain and sacrifice, other than Mary, His mother?  Mary was crowned Queen of Heaven and Queen of the Universe by her Son.

Personal testimony to Mary’s great love for her Son and for us, whom Jesus entrusted to us.

My story is one of tragic loss. After my marriage at a young age, I gave birth to identical twin girls. I named my eldest Mary, after a sister who died very young, and in honor of the Blessed Mother. My daughter Mary, however, drowned at the age of just twenty. I was devastated, couldn’t work, and nearly visited the cemetery late at night, but caught myself. I was very angry with God. “Where is your love and mercy now, I asked.” I dared Him, “What are you going to do now, kill me? Go ahead, I dared, because I did not care anymore.

Quickly then, I realized how I had 2 other children at home, and that I did not want to continue in that manner with God, I began to look for solace, comfort. If not God, who would understand my pain? Only one person came to mind, that was God’s mother, Mary. She lost her only son in such an agonizing manner. I began talking and praying to her. I told her I could not understand why God gave me identical twin girls, and just as soon as they turned 20, he took one.

I continued talking to our heavenly mother and praying to her. One night. Some time after developing a personal relationship with Mary, I found myself lying in my darkened bedroom speaking to God. Immediately, I said, “When did I forgive You?”

Those words hit me so hard, and for the first time since Mary’s death, God suddenly made me accept how our children are not ours; we are all God’s children, and we all belong to Him. Hearing myself say those words to God, “When did I forgive You?” triggered an unexpected response from me; I nearly laughed out loud at such a concept, me forgiving God.

I entrusted myself and my vulnerability to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Mission accomplished, she brought me right back to her son.