Mary’s “Yes”: Where Human and Divine Unite

On December 8th, the Second Sunday of Advent and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, Pope Francis shared a powerful message about the importance of Mary’s “yes” to God’s will. He emphasized how in Mary, the human and divine converge, calling on everyone to follow her example of total submission to God.

During his address before the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis urged the faithful to open their hearts and minds to Jesus, born of the Immaculate Virgin. As the Church prepares for the Jubilee, he invited people to reflect on welcoming the Lord into their lives through Mary’s intercession.

A Young Woman’s Role in God’s Plan

Reflecting on the Gospel of the day, the Pope highlighted the significance of the Annunciation, where Mary’s “yes” allowed the Word of God to become flesh. He emphasized how a young woman from Nazareth was chosen by God to play a vital role in the salvation of humanity.

Human and Divine in Mary’s Response

Pope Francis drew a parallel between Mary’s “yes” and Michelangelo’s depiction in the Sistine Chapel, illustrating the meeting of human and divine. He noted how Mary’s response marked the beginning of our redemption, bringing hope for the future.

Mary, the Faithful Servant of God’s Word

The Pope emphasized Mary’s complete dedication to serving God’s Word, devoid of any resistance to His will. He highlighted her role in giving us Jesus, our salvation, and the beatitude that all generations will proclaim.

Reflections for Today

In a world filled with conflicts and material pursuits, Pope Francis prompted the faithful to reflect on their priorities. He questioned where true happiness lies and urged them to seek peace and joy in God’s unconditional love.

Finally, Pope Francis called on the Church to prepare for the Jubilee by opening their hearts to the Lord, seeking Mary’s intercession, and allowing Him to guide them towards salvation.