We honor our Blessed Mother on this feast of her Immaculate Conception
Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 9, 2019): GN 3:9-15,20; PS 98:1,2-3,3-4; EPH 1:3-6,11-12; LK 1:26-38
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
Today the Church hails the Blessed Virgin Mary on this feast celebrating her Immaculate Conception.
From the first moment of her being within the womb of her mother, St. Anne, and for her entire existence, Mary has been free of sin, both original and personal. A true daughter of Almighty God, she offered herself completely to His will, welcoming His grace and dwelling always in faith, hope and love. Veneration of the Blessed Virgin began in the early centuries of the Church and spread around the world. Yet it took some time for belief in her Immaculate Conception to be recognized officially. It was not until 1854 that Pope Pius IX declared: “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.”
Almighty God loves His people so much that He would not allow the betrayal of Adam and Eve to destroy His plan for our eternal well being. Mary would be the mother of our Redeemer who would save us from the consequences of the sin and death that shadowed the world. “The Lord has made His salvation known: in the sight of the nations He has revealed His justice. He has remembered His kindness and His faithfulness toward the house of Israel” (Psalm 98:2-3). In addition to this holy day honoring the Blessed Virgin throughout the Church, today is also the patronal feast for the United States of America.
Suggested missionary action: Let us ask our Blessed Mother to help us imitate her in our fidelity to her Son. Let us turn to Mary to guide us ever closer to Jesus as we draw nearer to the feast of His Nativity. We can also salute Mary by helping those around us who are in need.
