The Creed: He Came Down from Heaven

Jesus' coming down from heaven more than 2,000 years ago through the womb of the Virgin Mary is not merely something we believe as an abstract or ancient account. It is, in fact, an unfaltering reality that presently exists at the very heart of our faith and dramatically affects our Catholic lives each day, whether or not we are aware.

The Church tells us that Mary cooperated "with a mother's love" to bring her only Son into the world (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] 501). Because she welcomed life into her womb by responding "yes" to the Holy Spirit, Mary also welcomed and embraced God the Father's saving plan that his Son, Jesus, would be born of a virgin and would carry out his redemptive mission for all mankind.

As the chosen vessel to bear Christ, Mary was obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It was her steadfast faith that enabled her to utter her wholehearted "yes." St. Augustine said, "Mary is more blessed because she embraces faith in Christ than because she conceives the flesh of Christ" (CCC 506).

Through unwavering faith, obedience, and a mother's love, Jesus came into our world and into our hearts. What can we learn from Mary's selfless, faithful, loving, and obedient life, and how does it affect our personal lives?

While we will never accomplish anything as amazing as the Blessed Mother did, her example of a virtuous life can aid us on our own journeys. We may consider how we can become more obedient to our own states of life. Are we attentive to the needs of all those in our care and those around us? Do we endeavor to fulfill our duties with a loving heart? Do we strive to listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit through prayer? What about our faith? Do we pray for an increase in the virtue of faith so that we may walk steadfastly in faith each day, working out our salvation within the details of our lives?

Focus on Mary's faith, obedience, and love and prayerfully try to put at least one virtue more fully into practice each day. Ask Mary to teach you how to emulate her virtuous life so you can utter your own "yes" to God.