Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Begins 'Year of Mercy'

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Begins 'Year of Mercy'

Mary and Jesus

The following is the text of a homily delivered by Rev. Matthew D. Spahr, pastor of The Immaculata, for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2015.

The cover of the current issue of National Geographic Magazine features none other than our Blessed Mother. Now I suppose it is not that unusual at this time of year to have magazine stories, even cover stories, feature Jesus, Mary or some other aspect of the Christmas narratives; but it was the caption that was most remarkable about this cover. The cover features a stunning close up of our Blessed Mother’s face from Sandro Botticelli’s 15th century painting, “The Virgin and the Child.” That is overlaid with the usual National Geographic masthead. Below that, in even larger font, is printed simply: “Mary” followed by the caption: “The Most Powerful Woman in the World.” “Mary, The Most Powerful Woman in the World.”

National Geographic cover
Credit: National Geographic

The author, Maureen Orth, a Catholic, is the widow of deceased journalist, Timothy Russert, long-time host of NBC's "Meet The Press." As we might expect in National Geographic, however, the article is not a spiritual or theological commentary. Rather it describes the global phenomenon of faith in our Blessed Mother. Orth writes. “Mary is everywhere. Marigolds are named after her. Hail Mary passes win football games. The image in Mexico of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most reproduced female likenesses ever. Mary draws millions each year to shrines such as Fatima, in Portugal and Knock in Ireland…she inspired the creation of many great works of art and architecture…as well as poetry, liturgy and music and she is the spiritual confidante of billions of people, no matter how isolated or forgotten.” Orth even reminds us that Muslims as well as Christians consider her to be holy above all women. Indeed, our common reverence for Mary of Nazareth may be the key to healing and understanding between our two faith traditions. When we reflect on Mary in this way, we must conclude that the magazine’s caption, while catchy, is also simply true (with or without faith). Mary is the most powerful woman in the world.

How fascinating, indeed, for one who describes herself in today’s Gospel, not as the “handmaiden” of our softened English translation, but by the Greek word Luke actually used, “I am the doule," the slave of the Lord, desiring nothing else than to be owned, possessed by his love.

Is that not the grand paradox of our faith that we celebrate in a special way this year as we begin the Year of Mercy? Mary, her “eyes of mercy towards us,” reflects the mercy of God who, though all-powerful became a slave for us.

It is quite intentional that this special holy year begins with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. For do we not recall with this feast, the singular act of God’s mercy in response to human sin, weakness and failing?

In celebrating the Immaculate Conception we assert that Mary shared in advance the redemption her son was to bring, the goal of which, is that every human person be “holy and without blemish before him.” In her we see the free and full response to God made possible by her freedom from original sin and through her intercession we seek a share in that freedom and the fullness of her response.

Is Mary the most powerful woman in the world? Well, if we measure that by the amount of people now and throughout history who have revealed their hearts to her and laid their burdens before her eyes of mercy, then you bet she is.

Why? Because she knows and reflects the greatest single truth about God—his power is precisely his merciful love.

 


Resources for the Year of Mercy are available on the USD website:
Overview
Major Events
Missionaries of Mercy
Prayer
Additional Resources