R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
There are many reasons to believe in the doctrine of the Immaculate Conceptions. One of the weakest arguments against it is the complaint, "God should not do it."
Somehow it offends some people's sense of propriety and egality. "Aren't all people equal? "Why should God prefer this woman over all others?" They suppose that the Lord God of Heaven and Earth should bow before principles superior even to God.
I first encountered this ludicrous idea in a book purporting to explain God. The author argued that the Rule of Three predetermined the ineffable mystery of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I read half the book before I realized she was serious! And her editor apparently agreed with her!
Anyone who reads the Bible as a member of God's people must recognize there is no higher authority than the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God bows before no principle, rule, or propriety for God's will is just and God's law is justice. God makes justice just and mercy merciful.
On this solemn feast of the Immaculate Conception we celebrate the Marvelous Deed which God has done for Mary, for the Church, for Israel, for humankind, and the universe. We delight in the privilege God has given to her, as she is the Mother of God. We feel honored and elated that one of our own daughters has been so blessed.
We celebrate this feast with the entire Universe as the martyrs, saints, and angels also enthusiastically honor her with the unique title of Immaculate Conception. Indeed, as she sang, "All nations to come shall call me blessed!"
And then, as we reflect upon the teaching, we realize how fitting it was, that the Son of God should be born of a mother conceived, and living her entire life, without sin. Mary's immaculate innocence renders her worthy to receive the Son of God; and by her presence she makes this sinful Earth worthy of God's visitation.
She saw sinful opportunities as we all do, but they did not fascinate her. They were only repugnant. In her immature youth she might have wondered, "Why would anyone do that?" But growing in grace she became wiser and more compassionate. Though sin holds no charm for her, she recognizes the image of God in every person and feels compassion for our broken human nature.
With compassion came authority and she can say to us, "Do whatever he tells you!"
And we can ask for her intercession even as we ask God to give us a measure of her strength, courage, wisdom, and willingness to see as God sees and desire what God desires.
Mary is our mother, sister, and daughter; she is one of our own. We're so glad to know her, and so grateful that the Lord, with his dying breath, gave her to us as our Mother.
By the LORD has this been done;it is wonderful in our eyes. (Psalm 118:23)
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.