+ You would think that the readings today have to do with everything but the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first reading is about Adam and Eve's disobedience; the second reading is about election in Christ for future glory; the gospel passage is about the Annunciation and the beginning of Jesus life in the womb of Mary. What does all of this have to do with Mary? Absolutely everything! It was Mary's obedience to the will of God for her to be the Mother of his Son that made redemption possible; but Mary's obedience had to be a very special one: one that was completely free from any hindrance, or sinfulness or selfishness on her part. Mary had to be born totally empty, totally open, totally humble, totally nothing in the eyes of God so that he could fill her and exalt her with the role and honor of motherhood of the only one who could undo what Adam did; who could say "yes" where Eve said "No" who could be the facilitator of our election forever as children of God.
And so today we celebrate Mary's first moments of existence in the womb of her mother Ann – as the sinless one, the pure one, the holy one – the one chosen to be the first dwelling-place on earth of Jesus Christ: we celebrate her Immaculate and Highly Favored Conception!
May we look to Mary as a pattern for our own way of receiving Jesus – by being as sinless as we can be, as pure and chaste as we can be, as holy as we can be – and by providing a dwelling-place for him in our hearts each day that we receive him in the Real Presence of Holy Communion! He is truly there, then, as much as he was in Mary's womb many years ago. Hail Jesus! Hail Mary! Hail all those who bear the Savior reverently, humbly and lovingly!
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds!
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