December 8, 2025: Immaculate Conception

Immaculate conception of the blessed virgin mary

Prayers ONLY go to God. But we can pray through others. For example, my mom died recently and just as she prayed for me here on earth, I also believe that she can (and will) keep praying for me now in the afterlife. Which I assume is in heaven.

We all have those “go people” who have died that we pray THROUGH . . . St. Anthony for lost items, St Michael for protection . . . and for many, the Blessed Mother. She has become for many a saint we can relate to, sometimes even more so than Jesus.  

For example: 

Both of her parents were human and she was born and she died in the usual ways.

 What was unusual about her was her reliability. No matter what life pitched at her, Mary did not duck. For example: she endured the gossip of being pregnant before she was married, 

She had to give birth in a barn (away from her family and friends), she (and Joesph) became immigrants fleeing to Egypt to save their son’s life.  

Then as Jesus stepped into his adult life, she never abandoned him. Even as others doubted him, hated him, scoffed at him. She stayed with him, even when he was hung naked on the cross and died. And when he was cut down from the cross and his body prepared, she was there.  

Point is, Mary was reliable. She didn’t abandon her son, and she will not abandon you. 

When you need prayers for times you are cursed at, spit on and just going through some tough luck . . . Mary will pray for you. Mary will not abandon you.

Of course, our prayers go to God. And God is ultimately the one to take care of us. But in these tough times, isn’t it nice to have someone to lean on. Maybe as you say, your prayers you could also ask to be like Mary (as someone others can lean on for support).