9 December 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

TOPIC: DO I USE MY FREE WILL IN COOPERATION WITH GOD’S GRACE?

First Reading: Genesis 3: 9-15, 20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
Second Reading: Ephesians 1: 3-6, 11-12
Alleluia: Luke 1: 28
Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In today's Gospel, the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God, through a virgin birth. Mary accepts God's plan, a decision known as her "fiat." That "yes" is profoundly significant for several reasons. First, her "yes" is a model of obedience and faith. It represents perfect obedience and trust in God. Despite such immense responsibility, she submitted herself entirely to God's will. If you come to think about it, she was just a teenager, and on top of that, during her time, if people found out that she was pregnant without a husband, she would be stoned to death. Her faith reminds us to trust God's plan, even when it challenges our understanding.
 
Second, Mary's acceptance made the Incarnation possible. Her consent allowed God to enter human history as Jesus Christ, bridging heaven and earth. This moment marks the beginning of our salvation through Christ. Third, which I would like to focus on, is that we can see how God respected Mary's free will. God did not impose on Mary. God waited for her consent. Her "yes" emphasizes the importance of human cooperation with divine grace. God loves us so much that He has given us the gift of free will. What we do with that gift is up to us, but God, who waited for Mary's "yes", wants to show us that He invites us — but does not force us — to be part of His plan.

This is the 1681st installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the