Growing up,
I didn’t understand Mary’s role.
To me, it seemed like Catholics
were obsessed with her,
almost superstitious in their devotion.
But as I grew older,
My understanding widened,
and I began to see the wonder
in the angel’s words:

“Hail Mary,
full of grace,
the Lord is with you.”

No one else in Scripture
has ever been greeted this way.
No apostle.
No prophet.
No king or saint.
Only Mary is called
“full of grace.”

I realized this wasn’t exaggeration,
or superstition,
or placing Mary above God.

I believe
the Great Yes
did not happen suddenly.
It was the culmination
of many little yes-es.

This teenage girl,
who would become
the Mother of God,
made room for God
through a lifetime of quiet surrender,
small obediences,
and simple trust.

Lord, you waited patiently for me to fully embrace my faith. I doubted, I questioned. I’m glad to be home.

Day 4, Feast of the Immaculate Conception