The Vision - Part I

Tomorrow is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception - a day which honors (not worships) Mary, most blessed mother of Jesus. Why honor Mary? We are called to honor our own mothers and fathers. How much more the mother of Jesus? Mary's "Yes" was significant in bringing Jesus the Christ into the world. Her example of full trust in God our Father, despite very real dangers, is such an inspiration to me. Tomorrow, I am going to share an experience that I had a little over three years ago. I have shared this story with very few people; however, I realize that by not sharing it more, I am being selfish in a way. And, I am not trusting God to keep me safe from criticism from others. Those who have heard the story have told me that it gives them much hope. My wish is that you will find some inspiration from hearing it, too. I will preface the story with a note that I was not raised Catholic. I did, however, have a very close friend who taught me the "Hail Mary" and "Our Father" when I was a child. Though I didn't understand the words, I said the prayers anyway, especially when I was struggling in college (even though I was a self-professed atheist). And, at the time of the experience, I was struggling with the Catholic teachings about Mary. I had asked God a few months before to help me understand her. God answered that prayer in a life-changing way! (NOTE: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception does not memorialize Mary's conception of Jesus, rather Mary's being conceived herself without sin. I can't say that I fully understand this. It is one of those things I put in the "trust" column.)