Solemnity of the
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Genesis 3:9-15.20; Ephesians 1:3-6.11-12; Luke 1:26-38)
Many think that priests find hearing confessions interesting. They don’t. They consider time in
the confessional tedious work however necessary it may
be. Very often people confess the same says. Viewing pornography seems to be the sin most
confessed today at least by men. Today’s
fest testifies to one person’s escaping the scourge of sin completely. As a special favor of God, Mary was conceived
without original sin. In turn she is to
play a critical role in God’s plan of overcoming the scourge of sin I the
world.
Sin begins, of course, at the beginning, just after
creation. Adam eats the forbidden
fruit. His sin readily gives way to
others. No sooner does God confront the
man with his disobedience than Adam denies responsibility for it. He says that because she gave the fruit to him, he ate it. The woman, who will be called “Eve,” likewise
refuses to accept responsibility for the sinful act. She blames the serpent. Fast forward to the gospel for a unique take
on humanity. “Full of grace,” Mary obeys God’s word by assenting to His request
to bear Jesus, God’s “Son.” She accepts this
responsibility despite the fact that she cannot understand exactly how it will
happen.
We are somewhat like Adam and Eve and somewhat like
Mary. We sin, often enough looking for
excuses to justify ourselves. But we
also take advantage of the grace that Mary’s son, Jesus, has won for us. In the end we confess our sins, accept God’s
grace, and resume our moral responsibilities.
