The Immculate Conception

From time to time we will have guest contributors to Bro. Rene's Daily Bread. Mr. Christopher Sullivan, one of our Academic Deans, provides us with this insightful first contribution.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is one of my favorites because it naturally demands that we pay attention to the commitment and courage of our Blessed mother.

In Luke's Gospel we hear the story of the visitation, where the Angel Gabriel comes to tell the young teenage Mary she has been chosen as the mother of our Savior. Quite conveniently, Mary asks one question, is content with the answer, and says, "Yes" to God.

I work daily with teenagers, both at work and at home, and I wish it were that easy to get them to say yes to anything. They naturally question everything, bless their hearts. I suspect the Gospel writer took some liberties, for he does go on to explain that Mary felt the need to get out of town for a while and consult with her older, wiser cousin, Elizabeth.

We can only imagine the inner turmoil and fear faced by one so young. What went through her young mind as she evaluated what her life might be like facing this responsibility? Did it ever occur to her that she might say, "No"? (a teenage favorite) or perhaps negotiate? (a teenage skill)

The reality is however, that she did say "Yes" and, in so doing, changed our lives (and hers). Imagine the courage it took for one so young to face such uncertainty and put so much trust in her God. She is such a wonderful role model, not just for young people, but for all of us.

The Central Catholic school crest bears the Marist motto: "To Jesus through Mary". Certainly, as Fr. Champagnat taught the young brothers, this means to pray to her and turn to her in times of need for strength and encouragement. But I have also learned it means to look at her commitment, as a parent, as a person of faith and trust ... to use her example as a guide for living as I can only hope to!

So, as we pause to reflect on the person of Mary, we can ask ourselves ... Where can I be more courageous in answering God's Call? In what simple ways in my life, can I face the unknown but trust that God would not ask me to do this thing if He did not think that He and I could not handle it together?

Chris Sullivan '81