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

Praying Advent Daily Prayer for Advent Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer Student Daily Reflections

Listen to Paul attempting to articulate the unfathomable mystery of God’s love for us: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.”

Today we celebrate the feast of Mary’s Immaculate Conception: from the first moment of her existence Mary is sinless, the single member of our race conceived without original sin.

How over-whelming for Mary! Before the foundation of the world God chose Mary and gave her every spiritual blessing — and chose her to be mother of God’s Only Son. Mary, this young, unknown, and already betrothed peasant virgin!

But how over-whelming for Paul also! Before the foundation of the world God chose Paul and gave him every spiritual blessing —and chose him to be the apostle to the Gentiles. Paul, this former Pharisee and intrepid persecutor and slaughterer of Jesus’ followers!

And how over-whelming for us. Before the foundation of the world God chose us and gave us every spiritual blessing — and chose us to be God’s own dwelling place and the Body of Christ on earth. Ourselves, so ordinary, unworthy and flawed!

How can we respond adequately to God’s choice of us?

From generation to generation we have looked to Mary as our model: “May it be done to me according to your word – Fiat!”

Mary — model, mother, advocate — help us with our Fiat! On your feast we beg for your intercession that your son may be born anew in us this Advent!