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’s reading from Genesis indicates the principal effect
of sin. It places the sinner outside of
God’s governance, which is to say His care.
Adam, perhaps aware that his sin deserves some kind of punishment, hides
from God. God cannot reach him to
provide what will be a painful treatment but in the end restorative of a right
relationship.
Once the man and the woman acknowledge their sin, God activates
treatment. They will be isolated, but
their descendants will gradually walk in God’s company. The remedy reaches fulness in Jesus
Christ. His death on the cross provides
not just example but, more critically, efficacious grace to see God.
Today we celebrate a critical juncture in the saga of humanity’s
return to God’s favor. Mary, who will mother
Jesus, is herself conceived without a trace of isolation from God. She will freely choose at every moment of her
life to please the Lord. For God’s favor
to her and also her faithful response, we honor her today.
