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Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Psalm 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Luke 1:26-38
Summary
The readings today take us from Adam and Eve?s sin into the responsorial psalm
and second reading, which are both focused on God?s might and joy in choosing
us
. Finally, the gospel ? Luke recounts the Immaculate Conception of Mary
through the invitation to accept the honor and responsibility of bearing the son of
God as presented by the angel Gabriel.
Reflection
I found the order of today?s readings so powerful. In them I saw the progression
from our own sin into God?s love culminating with our salvation through a con-
scious
yes
to him. I?ve read the story of Adam and Eve many times, but today
what really stood out to me was Adam?s transition in how he viewed himself and
as a consequence God. After eating the forbidden fruit he becomes aware of his
nakedness. This inward thinking and awareness causes him to fear and hide from
God. It is clear that this type of thinking was not possible for Adam prior to eating
the forbidden fruit. Isn?t it true that when we are focused on ourselves we begin
to fear what is outside of us? Likely for many reasons such as fear of losing what
we have, of being misunderstood, not understanding others, and so on. Focusing
on ourselves in a narcissistic way can be a slippery slope and really cause us to
lose who we are. The second reading reminds us that God has already chosen us
'to be holy and without blemish before him¯. Indeed if we trust him, we can easily
shake the temptation to notice our nakedness but instead look to others and God.
Mary is one of our greatest examples of self-
lessness and trust in God. When Gabriel tells her
she will soon bear a son, she questions how it is
physically possible, she is naturally apprehen-
sive. However, with Gabriel?s explanation along
with his reference to the miracle of Elizabeth,
Mary accepts by saying 'may it be done to me
