Advent through Christmas -- 2007
Immaculate Conception
Saturday, December 8, First Week in Advent
Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, often mistakenly thought to refer of the way Mary conceived Jesus in her womb. But immaculate conception means that what a person receives at Baptism, Mary had from her conception. From the moment of her conception, she was free from sin – immaculate.
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Thirteenth century Franciscan theologian and philosopher Blessed John Duns (usually known as John Duns Scotus because he was born in Scotland) is sometimes referred to as a “Marian Doctor.” That’s because he is credited with establishing the theological foundation for the then controversial doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.
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The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated in England as early as the 12th century and in the 18th century was made a feast of the whole Church. In 1846, the Sixth Provincial Council of Baltimore made this the patronal Feast of the Church in the United States. In 1854, after consultation with the bishops of the world and with theologians, Pope Pius IX declared the Immaculate Conception to be a dogma of the Church.
Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Both the Gloria and the Creed are said or sung during a Mass of Solemnity.
Advent through Christmas -- 2007
Saturday, December 8, First Week in Advent
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. Luke:1:26-38
Do you think Mary, just before the Annunciation, had a sense that she was specially blessed by God?
It is our teaching that Mary was free from sin from the very moment of her conception. We also teach that she was “full of grace” and that she was perfectly sinless.
Do you think Mary knew this or had a sense of this?
There are legends about Mary that would have us believe that she must have known.
And what about me? Do I have a sense that God has been especially at work within me, blessing me with special gifts from my early years?
After all, I was baptized and confirmed. God cleansed me of sin, poured the Holy Spirit into my inmost soul. Jesus called me by name to be his disciple. I have received Jesus himself time and time again in the Eucharist. I have joined with him in going to the Father and giving myself completely to God.
There are very unusual special works of God in me. I have been specially blessed by God, but I don’t always think of it that way. Perhaps I have a hard time believing it.
Believe it and live it!
Spend some quiet time with the Lord.
