Let us rely on the help of Mother Mary as we say our “yes” to God’s request for our lives, however humble or however difficult
A homily from the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary based on readings from Genesis 3:9-15,20, Psalm 98, Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12, and Luke 1:26 – 38
These readings are available at the USCCB website.
Today, we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. So why do you think we read the gospel of Jesus’s conception? Why on earth would we do that? I promise, I’ll explain why in just a minute.
Immaculate Conception – What is it?
What exactly is the Immaculate Conception? Simply put, the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived in the usual way, but without Original Sin. More specifically, it is the doctrine which holds that God has revealed that “the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance 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”.[1]
Just like the rest of us, the Virgin Mary was saved by Jesus Christ. Unlike the rest of us, she was saved by Christ before she was born – from the moment of her sinless conception.
Exposition on the 1st reading and gospel
Our first reading begins immediately after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, immediately after the fall. God turns first to the serpent. He places enmity between the serpent, evil, and woman and her offspring such that the two can have nothing in common.[2] God tells us immediately of his plan to save us, a plan that begins with the very opposite of evil, with someone wholly good, someone who is sinless. This woman whose seed crushes Satan is the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Conception.
Our gospel does tell of the conception of Jesus, but the angel’s greeting tells us about the Blessed Virgin May. “Hail, full of grace”.[3] Full of grace leaves no room for sin, no room for original sin or personal sin. Mary is completely sinless, something that is perfectly fitting for the Mother of God. Having declared Mary as “full of grace” our gospel proceeds to the most important question ever asked. Can you imagine Mary’s position? The request was humanly impossible, yet the request delivered by the angel came from God himself. Who could be worthy? Mary by the power of God, and of course she accepted. Conceived without sin, Mary says, “yes”, and to this day the world rejoices.
The Immaculate Conception – Mary, our patroness
Mary, the Immaculate Conception is also the patroness of all of us living in the United States. We can rely on her help in a special way. Just as patrons of the arts allow artists to put their God-given talents to use, so too does Mother Mary support us in living the Christian life. Mother Mary is there to help us in all things. Think of it this way. The church in which we sit with its beautiful art was made possible by its patrons – which were largely you and I. Some gave a little some gave a lot, and because of that patronage the artisans who create paintings, sculptures, woodwork, tile, and the like were able to use their talents for the benefit of all who might see this wonderful place.
So it is that the Blessed Virgin Mary provides what we need spiritually to become who we are meant to be, and to go into the world for the benefit of others. We can rely on her help as we try to discern where God wants us to go. She can help us to get there.
Prayer is never wasted. Through prayer we lift our hearts and minds to God. Through intercessory prayer, we ask the others to join us in this effort. Can you be confident that the most pleasing of all of God’s creatures, the sinless one, is there for you? Absolutely. She will help bring you closer to her son, our Lord, whatever that path may be.
Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, who sits before the throne of God is there for us when we seek her help. She, more than anyone else, leads us always to her son Jesus. We must simple discern and follow.
Closing Exhortation
Today, let’s recognize the unique gift that the Blessed Virgin Mary has been given. Let’s recognize that the ancient serpent, who for so long has fought to prevent us from being who God created us to be, has been defeated. Let us rely on the help of Mother Mary as we say our “yes” to God’s request for our lives, however humble or however difficult.
Closing Prayer
Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you…With your gracious assistance may we be near you in the glory of Christ’s kingdom come to sing with you and in the faithful the eternal praise of God. Amen.
[1] Pope Pius IX. Ineffabilis Deus. Dicastero per la Cominucazione, La Santa Sede, 1854. ¶35. “Declaramus, pronuntiamus et definimus doctrinam quae tenet beatissimam Virginem Mariam in primo instanti suae conceptionis fuisse singulari Omnipotentis Dei gratia et privilegio, intuitu meritorum Christi Jesu Salvatoris humani generis, ab omni originalis culpae labe praeservatam immunem, esse a Deo revelatam, atque idcirco ab omnibus fidelibus firmiter constanterque credendam.” Cf Den 1516.
[2] Cf Gen 3:16
[3] Luke 1:28