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)
Today we celebrate
Mary being conceived in the womb of her mother.
The event marks the beginning of the immediate preparation of our redemption. As a special grace from God, Mary does not
inherit whatever DNA disorders the nature of the rest of humanity. She is not inclined to sin. She is, as it is said, "immaculately
conceived." All other human beings
besides Mary’s son, Jesus, are affected by Adam and Eve’s sin reviewed in
today’s first reading. They disobeyed
God’s command not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and
bad.
Today’s second reading
reveals part of God’s plan of redemption. His Son, the
same Jesus, has joined us to the Father as adopted children. Jesus has purified us of the sin of our human
parents. Now we no longer follow our
desires but do God’s will. Mary
exemplifies submission to God’s will in today’s gospel. She is challenged by the request that she
undertake an enormous responsibility. She
overcomes her fear to fulfill the request to birth to God’s Son.
We celebrate Mary as
the greatest of saints. She never sinned. She showed great courage. And, close
to her son, she has proven the most reliable intercessor. We should not
hesitate to ask her assistance. In our becoming sisters and brothers of Jesus through faith, we receive Mary as our mother.
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