The Lord teaches us through His Church: "In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God's grace" (Catechism, 490). Mary was immaculately conceived "to be able to give the free assent of her faith." A cynic may say that at Jesus' Incarnation, Mary was a teenage girl from a hick town who had no idea what she was saying when she gave her "fiat." Some would say that her "fiat" was not a great, grace-filled act of faith and love but an expression of confusion and ignorance. However, the truth of Mary's immaculate conception indicates that Mary's "fiat" was not flawed by a fallen human nature.

The Lord likewise wants our commitment to Him to be free, deep, pure, and great. Of course, our fallen human nature has diminished the quality of our commitment to the Lord. Nevertheless, when we receive a new nature at Baptism, repent of our sins, and grow in holiness, we can commit ourselves to the Lord without tainted or mixed motives. We can love the Lord unconditionally for Himself, not merely to avoid hell and obtain the happiness of heaven.

May our assent of faith in the Lord be as free, pure, and deep as possible. "Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you."

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend David L. Zink, June 12, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2002