Readings: Genesis 3:9-15,20, Ps. 98:1-4, Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12, Luke 1:26-38
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
By Immaculate Conception, we mean that Mary was conceived in the womb of her mother without sin. Long before the Word became flesh in her womb, God had already prepared grounds by preserving Mary from Original Sin.
- How did we know that Mary was exempt from original sin? In today’s Gospel passage, we read about the annunciation where the Angel Gabriel addressed Mary in these words: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28). Sin is always a lack of grace, but Mary, being full of grace, had no space for sin. God did this to prepare her to be His Mother.
- Since Advent is a time to prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus, our celebration of the Immaculate Conception reminds us that we serve a God who prepares. One of the best preparations for Christmas is abstaining from sin.
- Even in our local context, our forefathers had a tradition of abstinence from intercourse (or other pleasurable activities) for days or months leading up to certain ritual ceremonies. They understood the importance of ritual purity. The feast of the Immaculate Conception challenges us to purify not just our bodies but our hearts as we prepare to receive Jesus.
- Even after preparing Mary, God still allowed her to accept or reject His plan. Hence, He sent the Angel Gabriel to seek her consent by announcing that she would be His Mother. The fact that God has showered certain gifts and blessings on us does not remove our free will. God called you before you were born but would not force you to say “Yes” to His call. God, who made you without your cooperation, will not save you without your cooperation.
- While Mary said “Yes” (let it be done to me according to your will), Adam and Eve, in today’s first reading, said “No.” They chose to eat the forbidden fruit. God wants to do great things in your life (things greater than you can imagine now). However, none will be realised unless you say “Yes” to God.
- How do we say “Yes” to God? St. Paul tells us in today’s second reading: “to be holy and blameless before him in love.” (Ephesians 1:3-4). Our “Yes” to God is our decision to live holy and blameless lives. It is our willingness to be the world's salt and light. Is it easy to say “Yes” to God? No. Nevertheless, if Mary said “Yes”, you too can say “Yes.”
- What happens when we allow God’s will to be done in our lives? The Angel Gabriel answers: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Luke 1:35). Truly, great things happen when God mixes with men.
- Whenever we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary, non-Catholics tend to become agitated because, for them, we are doing too much. However, it all boils down to Jesus Christ. Do you believe that Jesus was a man who later became God? Or do you believe that Jesus is God who became man when he took flesh in Mary’s womb? If Jesus was a man who later became God, then Mary is just an ordinary woman, but this is not Christianity. Jesus was already God before He was born. Mary gave birth to God; therefore, she isn’t ordinary.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may we always find favour in your sight. Work in and through us to bring Christ to our fellow brothers and sisters. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Solemnity Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Genesis 3:9-15,20, Ps. 98:1-4, Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12, Luke 1:26-38).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu