THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Thursday of the Second week in Advent

Genesis 3:9-15.20

Ps 98

Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12

Luke 1:26-38

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Hail Full of Grace

Dear friends in Christ, today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was a doctrine that had been believed, almost universally over the centuries, before it was formally defined as a church doctrine by Pope Pius IX in 1854. This doctrine states that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin— that, from the first instant of her existence in the womb of Anne her mother, “by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and the merits of Jesus Christ, savior of the human race, preserved free from all stain of original sin.” A special grace that enabled Mary to give a “Yes,” to Angel Gabriel’s message that she would become the mother of the Son of God.

In the first reading of today (Genesis 3:9-15.20) we are presented with the consequences of the disobedience of Adam and Eve. Once they had eaten the forbidden fruit, they began to hide away from God. “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid.” Then they engaged themselves in buck-passing, no one was willing to own up. The man accused the woman of being the cause, the woman accused the serpent. The result was that God confirmed the punishment for their disobedience. Something that will affect generations to come. There will be ongoing hostility between the seed of the woman and the serpent. They wanted freedom, yet true freedom is only in doing what God commands.

The second reading (Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12) is a hymn of praise to God, who has chosen us in Christ from the foundation of the world. We offer our praise therefore as children who understand the plan of the Father which is for our good.

The Gospel (Luke 1:26-38) gives the theological significance of the annunciation. The appearance of the angel is followed by a unique greeting that reveals a special choice of Mary, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” This troubled Mary who was further assured by the angel, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Mary is the great model of all those who freely accepts the will of God, those who allow God to make demands of them, people who meet the needs of others, those who respond to the cries of the poor and marginalized—all those who are open to God’s word. Through Mary, the knot that was tied by the disobedience of Adam and Eve was loosened. In Mary, there is hope renewed that humanity can overcome the power of the eternal enemy that has led it captive. Humanity in Mary’s son will finally conquer sin and death. The Immaculate Conception invites us to celebrate this special grace, given to this special woman. If God has chosen to honor her in such a way, who are we not to?

Let us pray: Lord as we celebrate your special grace and presence in the Virgin Mother, keep us free from sin and make our joy complete. Amen. 

+Remain blessed