How many times do we make excuses for our sins? “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” (Gen 3:13). Sadly, I am guilty. I’d go so far as to say evil doesn’t even have to lift a finger- I fall easily on my own.

Bless me, Father, for I have sinned; it’s been fifteen minutes.Yours Truly

Ponder with me the gift that is the Immaculate Heart, aka the Blessed Virgin Mary. As a Catholic, do you ever wonder why the big deal about Mary or reduce her to nothing more than a convenient good luck charm or nice photo on the wall?

Young Mary was addressed by the Archangel Gabriel as, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” (Lk 1:28)

I’ll bet none of us had our birth foretold by a celestial being with such an accolade. A likely message to my parents might have been, keep a tight leash on this one, or she’ll get away from you.

Based on this single Scripture passage, Mary is someone worth getting to know. Of all the women in time eternal, she was chosen to be the Mother of the Incarnate Word, the Son of God.

I grew up in a family devoted to Mary. Starting at a young age, we prayed the Rosary daily. My father’s love for her was infectious. Other kids might have slept in during the summer, but we were bribed with donuts to join him at daily Mass. Through the difficult moments in my life, I knew I could always depend on her prayers and she has never let me down. 

Who was this humble maiden courageously answering Gabriel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38) Mary did not inquire about details, timelines, or exit strategies as I might have.

I have the baby in a barn?

“A sword will pierce my heart?”

Egypt?

Betrayed and crucified?

Mary was all in. Her trust in God was total and unconditional. She blindly accepted whatever this calling demanded of her knowing God would provide. Mary did not waste energy worrying about what if. She belonged to Him, and He would see her through every aspect. A beautiful lesson for us today.

These attributes alone should encourage us to deepen our faith and frequently seek her help. None of us will ever deal with as many challenges as God entrusted to Mary. Every time we venture to ask the question, why me? This isn’t fair. We must consider that God did not spare His own Son nor the Blessed Virgin Mary from suffering or strife in this life. I have had to remind myself of this fact countless times when I wanted to throw myself an epic pity party.

We have an incredible example of grace under fire in which to learn and lean upon. She has been my strength when I didn’t think I could take the next step, a shoulder to cry on, and an intercessor par excellence. The greatest miracles I have experienced have been through her intercession. Through answered prayers, I have a husband, became a mother, survived the teen years, and overcame devastating illnesses. She is the strongest, wisest, and most dependable woman I have ever known.  Mary makes conquerors of men and women willing to battle with her against evil. Call upon the Immaculate Heart of Mary, this most perfect and humble woman, to find strength and overcome trials.

If the Creator of the Universe entrusted His only Son to her, why would you be reluctant or afraid to entrust yourself to her?

Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.