Bob Nicholas.com

During the homily tonight the Priest said that God started something new with Mary’s conception and as such wanted a clean slate.  I love this ideal. 

Consider this.  When Mary was conceived God choose to protect her from original sin.  With Him she found “favor” (Luke 1:28).  With Him she found “Grace”.

As we prepare to welcome the Risen Christ this Advent, are you looking to start new?  It is said when we are Baptized we are a new creation.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church states “This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to “plunge” or “immerse”; the “plunge” into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as “a new creature” (CACC 1214). 

The New Covenant began with the Immaculate Conception of Mary! 

And so, consider this.  Mary, like all men, had free will.  Mary chose to say Yes to Christ.

“Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” – Luke 1:38

So, God rested His plan for our salvation on a human girl.  Before Mary knew she would bore the Son of God, Our Father protected her from original sin, that she might be prepared to receive the Holy Spirit and bear the Christ child.  Mary was for God, a clean slate.

And so I ask you…Are you a clean slate for God?

We want God to draw on us, His canvas.  We desire to become who He created us to be…

But don’t we perhaps, hold on to the brush?  Don’t we too often say, “God make me who you created me to be, as long as I’m good looking, smart, witty, and someone liked by all.”  We don’t simply say, “God make me who you created me to be.” 

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.”

God created you and me for Good Works that we should live in them.  Catholics get bashed all the time and are told that we think we have to work our way into Heaven.  This is such a sick misunderstanding of our faith.  We are created specifically for good works…  Our faith compels us to act in this way.  Our faith compels us to be conformed to the image He created us in. 

In order for God to shape us, form us, and draw a beautiful image of Him, we must be clean slates.  We must be clay for the master potter to mold. 

As we prepare for Christmas, let us pray that we would be clean slates.  I hope you are able to partake in the Sacrament of Penance to clear your soul.  I pray you are able to forgive yourself, as Christ forgives you, for offenses.  And most important, I pray you are open to receive HIM this Advent season.

God bless you and Merry Christmas!