Homilies

On this sacred day, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we must reflect deeply on the mystery of the Incarnation. I think we often misunderstand what it truly means. We might view it as a purely supernatural and miraculous event—God coming down to earth to show us the path to heaven, a call to leave the world behind and fix our eyes solely on eternity. While there is truth in that, it is not the whole truth. In fact, this understanding can distort the profound message of Christmas. The Incarnation is not simply about our journey to heaven; it is about heaven coming to us and transforming the here and now.

“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” These words from Elizabeth to Mary in today’s Gospel shine as a beacon of hope and faith. They remind us that trust in God’s promises is the foundation of true blessing, even when the path seems uncertain or fraught with difficulty.

This trust, however, is not easy. It was not easy for Mary, the Blessed Virgin. We often view the world of Jesus through the lens of his encounters with the Pharisees, Scribes, and political leaders—debates over doctrine and Scripture. Yet, this perspective can obscure the profound reality of God’s transformative action in human history.

Today, we celebrate God’s infinite mercy. While we often think of this feast as a celebration of Mary, at its heart, it is a celebration of God’s boundless love and generosity toward humanity. The Immaculate Conception refers to the singular grace bestowed upon Mary: her being conceived without the stain of Original Sin. From the very first moment of her existence, Mary was free from the guilt and darkness that affect each of us.