Fr. Rick’s One Minute Homily

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

December 8, 2025, Luke 1:26-38
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120822.cfm

“I AM.”

Sports have always been a part of my life. I remember growing up and choosing teams with the neighborhood kids. I loved the competition. I took up golf later in life when my knees and ankles couldn’t take the pounding. The competition was a thrill and motivated me to excel. Now, I always aim to beat my last golf score.

The words “I am” in today’s gospel caught my attention when I prayed over the gospel of St. Luke. Once Mother Mary said “YES” to the angel Gabriel, there was no looking back. She found her new identity as God’s Mother and was entirely in God’s zone.

Yes, she was conceived without sin, but God still respected her freedom, her “YES.” It was her surrender to please God in all things. She knew, from that moment, God would take care of everything. She never looked back to live life on her own without God. “I am the handmaid of the Lord,” Mother Mary said. She lived in His fullness, His zone, every day.

When did you last make that personal commitment and freely say “YES” to God? Life becomes a competition when I don’t say “YES” to Him throughout the day. I want to improve, not for myself, but for God.

Mother Mary had the strength to do and bear all things for Jesus. She followed Him faithfully with her “YES.”

Gospel Challenge:

Do you want to live in God’s zone where all things are possible in Christ? Say “YES” and mean it. The angel told our Mother, “Do not be afraid.”

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC  

 www.bscchurch.com