Student Reflection: Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Hello everyone! My name is William Ristau of the Class of 2026. I’d like to welcome you all to Mass in celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today the Church celebrates the role Mary played in the life of Jesus. On this day, Our Blessed Mother Mary was conceived without sin so that she could be the mother of Jesus.

In today’s Gospel we hear Mary, in the presence of the angel Gabriel, say to God: “May it be done to me according to your word.” This line stood out to me because it indicates Mary’s obedience to our Lord and can serve as a stepping stone for our faith. Many of us are around the age Mary actually was when she encountered the angel Gabriel early in her life - only 14 or 15 at the time. At the time of this message being delivered to her, Mary did not know what challenges lay ahead of her. In studying Jesus’ life, we know that being his mom was not an easy task - His always getting lost in the temple was quite the burden. But all humor aside, being present at her Son’s Crucifixion and Death on the Cross was something Mary did not know she would have to endure. With a life of sainthood ahead of her, Mary put the control in God’s hands through her simple words of acknowledgement of God’s command. Therefore, I want to ask “How can we, modelling after Mary, trust God in our own lives?”

I believe the answer is prayer. I recently heard a fellow Catholic say: “Prayer is not for God to change his mind. Prayer is meant for us to conform with God’s will.” Sometimes, this can even mean accepting the more difficult path. I personally believe all of us made a strong choice attending Fenwick. As a Freshman, I remember waking up early to take the train 40 minutes in the cold to get to school each day. I’m sure some of you sitting up in the balcony can relate. Now as a senior, my peers and I are constantly wondering if our college applications are all up to date, and soon, if we got into the college of our dreams.

These challenges we face each day may be minute, but in reality they prepare us for larger challenges God puts in front of us in our future lives: the first job interview, when we are charged with the illness of a family member, or when the task comes upon us to care for the less fortunate. All of these challenges can be supported through prayer, whether it be long or short, just like Mary’s was. Personally, I talk to God in the morning on the car ride to school. Any place or time works -  God will find you, just like He did with Mary.

What I would like to encourage you all with as we enter into Mass is placing our full faith in God even when things are unclear. I challenge us all to be more prayerful, trustful and obedient to God and His word as we move through our day and beyond. Thank you.