On December 8th, the Second Sunday of Advent and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, Pope Francis reflected on the importance of Mary’s “yes,” highlighting how in her, the human and divine meet. This message, shared just before the Angelus prayer, encouraged everyone to imitate Mary’s total submission to God’s will.
In his address before the Angelus, Pope Francis invited the faithful to open the doors of their hearts and minds to the Lord Jesus, born of the Immaculate Virgin. This invitation to reflection takes place as the Church prepares for the opening of the Holy Door of the Jubilee, a call to ready ourselves to receive the Lord and seek the Virgin’s intercession so that He may dwell in our lives.
A Young Woman’s Role in God’s Plan
Commenting on the day’s Gospel, the Pope emphasized the significance of the Annunciation, when Mary’s “yes” to the Archangel Gabriel allowed the Word of God to become flesh. “God, the Most High, the Almighty, chooses to speak with a young woman from Nazareth, asking for her collaboration in His divine plan of salvation for humanity,” explained Pope Francis.
Human and Divine in Mary’s Response
The Pope drew a parallel between this moment and Michelangelo’s famous painting in the Sistine Chapel, where God’s finger touches that of Adam. Similarly, in Mary’s “yes,” the human and divine meet, marking the beginning of our redemption. “A young woman from a small, peripheral town is called to the center of history, and the future of humanity depends on her response,” said the Pope, noting that with her answer, Mary opens the door to a future full of hope.
Mary, the Faithful Servant of God’s Word
The Pope emphasized that Mary, “full of grace,” is completely dedicated to serving the Word of God, without resistance to His will. “In her, there is nothing that opposes truth and charity,” Pope Francis pointed out, underlining that her beatitude is the one that all generations will proclaim. Through her “yes,” Mary gave us Jesus, our salvation.
Reflections for Today
In a world marked by conflicts and the constant pursuit of power and possessions, the Pope invited the faithful to reflect on their priorities. “Where do I place my hope?” he asked. “Is my happiness found in God’s infinite mercy, in His unconditional love, or am I deceiving myself by trying to assert my ego and will at all costs?” The Pope urged the faithful to seek true peace and happiness in God’s love.
Finally, Pope Francis encouraged the Church to prepare for the Jubilee by opening the doors of their hearts to the Lord, who came into the world through the Virgin Mary, and to seek her intercession so that He may dwell in our lives and guide us to salvation.
