Understanding the Immaculate Conception of Mary

Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: Gn 3:9-15, 20; PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

What is it?

In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.” Thus Immaculate Conception.

How developed?

It took a long time for this doctrine to develop. While many Fathers and Doctors of the Church considered Mary the greatest and holiest of the saints, they often had difficulty in seeing Mary as sinless—either at her conception or throughout her life.

Franciscan Reflection

The logic of piety helped God’s people to believe that Mary was full of grace and free of sin from the first moment of her existence. Moreover, this great privilege of Mary is the highlight of all that God has done in Jesus. Rightly understood, the incomparable holiness of Mary shows forth the incomparable goodness of God.

Reference: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/

Further Study

For an easy to read book on Mary. Mary through the centuries, Jaroslav Pelikan, Yale University Press, 1996.

Summary

Mary was chosen from before time itself. In her conception she was preserved from the effects of original sin because she was ‘conceived’ in the Father’s heart before imperfection of sin occurred. Her natural human conception, singularly graced, brought about the perfect temple from which the Lord came forth to live and share his life with us. We look to the the Greek named book of the generation (genesis) of the heavens and earth (Genesis) which is also known as Bereshit – In the Beginning. It is there we learn her offspring, Jesus, will strike the serpent a fatal blow.

This savior, saving also Mary from the effects of sin a priori, gives us all hope in the divine promise.

In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.

Reflection

1. The angel Gabriel was sent from God.
2. And coming to [Mary], he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.

Personal Reflection

We celebrate everyone we love. As a general rule we can say, Who doesn’t love their Mom? Love seeks to know. Know where you came from, who your grandparents are, and what was your life’s course before I came to be. In Mary, the questions go so much deeper! Full of Grace before even the Angel approached her. Sharing herself with the Holy Spirit overshadowing her for the birth of Jesus, God and man. And what did she do in this amazing moment? Rush to the side of Elizabeth to help her in her hour of need. Love and service.

Greetings Mary! Full of Grace, help us your children love your Son and serve our human family.

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120924.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry