Simplicity

Today we have the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We always look up at her and give thanks to God for the gift of her. But there is something deep in today's celebration.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is not a god. She is a human just like us, but at the same time her life is an amazing reflection of God's presence. Why?

I think it is because she is so simple in her life. She shows the beauty of being a person. She is the daughter of her parents, she is the wife of Joseph, she is the mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ, she cooked meals, washed clothes and did everything else that belongs to our daily lives. It was a simple life and therefore she was able to fulfill the will of God and accept whatever He prepared for her.

To have a holy life doesn't mean to be disconnected from reality. It rather requires a deep understanding of life and focuses on the things that matter. We can see it in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is so real in her life.

The Archangel told her that she will become the mother of the Son of God; she was afraid, confused (look at the gospel according to Luke.) She gave birth to her son in very poor conditions not worried about baby showers or all sort of toys and tools for her son, for the reality of life was most important. She and Jospeh protected their child by running to Egypt, saving him from the hate of Herod. She was a Mother charged with the daily needs of Jesus Christ, feeding him, washing his clothes, teaching him skills necessary in a child's and an adult's life.

The biggest simplicity we can see is when she is under her son's cross. It always brings to me words said by Job: "Yahweh gave, Yahweh has taken back. Blessed be the name of Yahweh." (Job 1:21)

I think God has chosen her to be the mother of His Son, because only a simple heart can so open to accept the will of God and faithfully carry it in every day of life.