Readings: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary | USCCB 

The incarnate baby Jesus is conceived within Mary through the Holy Spirit, though she “has no relations with a man.” Her virginity at the time of the Annunciation – and throughout her life – is such an iconic feature of our Mother that it can feel like virginity is automatically equal to holiness. And for Mary, because that was God’s plan for her, it was.

Yet, the Immaculate Conception also shares another truth: the goodness and holiness of marriage.  Mary herself was not born of a virgin, but to her parents Saints Anne and Joachim, in the natural way. If God was so deeply intentional in preparing the right woman to be his own Mother, it is only natural that he likewise selected parents for her that were graced and virtuous enough to prepare the way for the Mother of God.  Although not necessitated by their virtue or their purity, God used their human, true, and faithful union to bestow in Mary the gift of the immaculate conception. Where Adam and Eve brought us the imprint of original sin, Saints Anne and Joachim brought us the hope found in Mary. She is the New Eve who in her fiat — her Yes to God — bears in her womb that one who would strike down sin, forever restoring us in our broken humanity.

Because of their marriage, their love and heroic virtue, Anne and Joachim also took part in salvation history, preparing the way for God to give us the gift of our Mother. Today, as we thank God for Mary, may we also thank him for her parents and the way that through their love and obedience they paved the way of salvation.

Sam Vargo, CSMA Alumni and Director of Pilgrimage Programming with Modern Catholic Pilgrim 

The Campus Ministry Seasonal Reflections are offered during the liturgical seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter. We bring a variety of voices from Students, Faculty and Staff. The perspectives expressed in these reflections are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Campus Ministry.