Immaculate Conception

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Genesis 3:9-15,20; Psalm 98; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38

The belief in the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary are unique to Catholic Christianity. Are these sacred events unique to Mary or are they great signs of hope for us as well?

Consider that God’s intention was that no human being was to be separated from the divine life of grace. Humanity in the figures of Eve and Adam were created in union with the life of grace. And it was intended that you and I were never to be separated from God. But we know the story and the reality of our lives.

Yet in both beliefs isn’t it God who is the prime actor? God preserves Mary from original sin. We see in her immaculate conception by Anne and Joachim the original intent of God fulfilled. In the Assumption we see God who raised Jesus from the dead assume Mary, body and soul, into the fullness of eternal life.

Consider what the Sacrament of Baptism effects in us. Does it not allow us to enter into that original intent of a rich full life of grace with God? We become a new creation. We are enlightened by Christ; children of the light! And when we do separate ourselves from God, is it not in the Sacrament of Reconciliation – what the Fathers called, “a second baptism” – that God repairs in us the breach we created? The shepherd claiming the lost sheep, the woman claiming the lost coin as we experience a union of grace with God.

Consider the language of the Eucharist in which we receive Holy Communion. Does the term “Holy Communion” solely refer to the Body and Blood of Christ or does it not also refer to what the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ affects in us; a union of grace with God?

As we celebrate the Conception of Mary, today is a good day to reflect on our Baptism. For how God acted for Mary so as to be an instrument through whom salvation came to all humanity, how does God act through Jesus in our baptism so that you and I might be instruments of grace for others?