Today's gospel reading from Luke may lead us to confuse just whose conception we are celebrating on today's Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In recounting the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary during which he announced she was to conceive and bear a son, it is understandable to assume we are talking about Jesus' conception. In fact, we are celebrating Mary's own conception without sin. Confusing, indeed! And I think, perhaps, that confusion is an appropriate point of departure when reflecting on the Immaculate Conception. How is it that Mary could be born without sin? How is it she could conceive having had no relations with a man? What does this have to do with the Annunciation recounted today in Luke? 

There is no shortage of wonder at the labor of God and what he has born in the creation of the universe. This extends, certainly, to the incarnation and Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. For me, though, there is no moment more mysterious, more pivotal, more wonderous or more miraculous in all of history than Mary's Yes to conceive and bear the Son of God for all humanity. What's more, this was no casual or feeble yes nor a yes that arose from fear. The angel Gabriel's visit did not strip Mary of the same free will we enjoy. Instead, Mary's assent was actively given of her own free will and born from trust in and love for God and all creation. And all of this despite being greatly troubled (and yes, confused). Mary's courage, in a very real sense, prefigures Jesus' like courage in Gethsemane. (Like mother, like son...)

So, what accounts for this courage and disposition of Mary's to say Yes to God's invitation (as well as Jesus' later on)? She was unencumbered by the sin that keeps us from God, that prompts us, like Adam, to hide ourselves when we hear God's voice. That we are born with original sin and that we carry our unshakable sinfulness throughout our lives can fill us with hopelessness that we could ever measure up in God's eyes the way Mary did. However, we need not be hopeless. Also, and frankly, we need not be Mary, either. God calls us to be ourselves. God calls us to the same trust in him and love for him that Mary had. God calls us to a deep intimacy with him. It is from this place of intimacy that we find the courage to respond like Mary and like Jesus. 

As we await the birth of Jesus, let us lean on Mary as our mother. Let us fly unto her, our sin and sorrow in tow. Let us, man, woman and child, all marvel at her divinely inspired human courage and seek her intercession during this blessed season of Advent.