Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Today, December 8, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is the patronal feast of the United States of America. This is a feast that many often confuse, thinking the Immaculate Conception is the conception of the Lord Jesus, when it is actually the conception of Mary who was declared born without original sin.

In 1854, Pope Pius IX issued the encyclical Ineffabilis Deus, proclaiming Mary to be immaculately conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, without contracting the stain of original sin. In this revealed truth, the mystery of God’s plan is disclosed that God chose this woman to be the mother of His son, thereby becoming one with us through Jesus Christ. The incarnation would take place through one who was conceived without sin.

In this season of Advent, the two most recognizable figures are John the Baptist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. John is the prophet making straight the way for the Messiah who enters the world. Fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah and Mary is the prepared way through which Jesus, the human and divine, becomes one with us. Mary is given a singular grace. This unique gift does not separate her from all of humanity. Rather, she is what we were created to be from the very beginning, before our first parents forfeited their created perfection through sin.

Her fiat is a “yes” to God’s request, that she be the mother of His son: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Her response of saying yes to God’s invitation to serve Him offers us a model for all who wish to follow the way of her son and salvation. Are we willing to be an instrument of God’s love and mercy? We can be recreated through the sacraments. Just think: you and I can receive the Lord Jesus and offer him to the world through the lives that we lead.

On this day, we also proclaim the beginning of the Year of Mercy, declared by Pope Francis. As Shepherd of the entire Church, our Holy Father challenges us to live the Gospel message in our responses to the needs of our brothers and sisters. The Corporal Works of Mercy (feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead) and Spiritual Works of Mercy (instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish sinners, bear wrongs patiently, forgive offenses willingly, comfort the afflicted, pray for the living and the dead) presents an opportunity. We can perform these works of mercy and love as intentional Disciples of Christ.

Mary reflects the Mercy of God, who forgets not His people, but chooses to become one with them through His son, who urges us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the December 8, 2015 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.