Throughout the history of the Church, theologians debated an issue regarding the Blessed Virgin Mary: whether she was conceived without original sin. While most theologians held that she was, some did not.   

In 1854, Pope Pius IX declared definitively the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, meaning that Mary, though conceived naturally in the womb of her mother, was conceived without original sin. The Immaculate Conception is celebrated tomorrow, on December 8. 

While it may seem inconsequential and overly religious, the Immaculate Conception has an effect on us all. Because she was conceived without original sin, Mary was able to overcome the temptations of this life and remain sinless. It also gave her the ability to more clearly discern God’s will, and to see herself as God saw her. That is the definition of humility.   

When asked to become the Mother of God, Mary could have resisted and seen so many obstacles. She was engaged to Joseph yet still unmarried; she was young, and the Jewish law would allow for her to be stoned for becoming pregnant without benefit of marriage. These considerations would worry anyone, but Mary looked beyond herself and realized that what was being asked of her was part of the Divine Plan, and that God would therefore care for her.  

Her humble nature, her ability to see herself with the eyes of God, gave Mary the strength to say “yes” to the Incarnation. Her Immaculate Conception prepared her to exercise that humility.  

This week, as we confront life’s challenges, let us be inspired by Mary’s example of perfect humility. Like her, we can understand our trials as part of God’s plan, and we can strive to see ourselves with His eyes.