Immaculate Conception
Rev. Lucas Thumma
Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ep 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1: 26-38
Mary was sinless from the moment of conception. It is Joachim and his wife Anne conceiving Mary without original sin. It is a gift of God bestowed on Mary. God was pleased with Mary’s humility, her total trust in God. Mary was open to God’s plan.

This doctrine was defined by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854. This was four years before the apparitions of Mary at Lourdes. The truth which is from the beginning’s explicated to humanity at this time. Bernadette, asked Mary, “What is your name?” and Mary said “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Subsequent popes have affirmed this doctrine. Ref: Lumen Gentium Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Chapter VIII on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God in the Mystery of the Church.
Mary was born free from original sin and remained free from all sin for the rest of her life. This is according to the plan of God. “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers. (Gen. 3:15).
Mary the new Eve
Catholics always viewed two women here, the ancient Eve and New Eave Mary. to refer ultimately to Mary and her offspring to Jesus. Mary and Jesus stand at one end and Satan stand at the opposite end.
In today Gospel reading the words “Rejoice, O highly favored daughter, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women.” speak for themselves.
Blessed John duns Scotus, even in 13th century proposed that “God has shielded Mary from sin, as she was to be the Mother of God’s Son. Is it not fitting that the Son of God should be born of a sinless Mother
?
Popular Culture
All over the world people respect and venerate the Blessed Mother. Not only Catholics but many people of many cultural and religious traditions. She is Divine Mother. People address her as Devi, Madha, and Amma. People come to Blessed Mother for love, for bonding with the Divine, for protection. Millions of people in India, in East countries, in Arab countries, in Russia and the whole west, venerate and pray to her. We know the saying “Per Marian ad Jesu” (Through Mary to Jesus) Hindus and Muslims and Christians flock to her protection and guidance in life; for healing, for thanksgiving for the fulfillment of their intentions; such as good marriage, success in education of their children, or jobs, for migration, to better opportunities, for a good and holy death.

Because, Holy Mother, Virgin Mother, Blessed Mother, in the Divine plan, loves all her children. Jesus our Lord, our Divine Master has given His Mother as our Mother. Hence, we love blessed Mother Mary. “Humanity is looking for a Mother who will protect and care for them.” All cultures like and love Blessed Mother. I have seen in three Continents with my own eyes, (in Asia, in Europe, in America). Every Nation has a Marian Shrine, of their “particular culture” such as Lourdes in France, Fatima in Portugal, Mary Major Basilica in Rome, our lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, Heroldsbach in Germany, Black Madonna in Poland, Our Lady of Medjugorje, (Scandalous Mercy by Sister Emmanuel Maillard, 2017),Our Lady of Vailanganni in Tamilnadu, and many others.

We American Catholics have always had a special devotion to Mary under the title of the “Immaculate Conception.” It is under this title, that we dedicated our country in the early days of our nation’s history, in the state of Maryland. The National Basilica in Washington DC is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.

And so today we celebrate the “Feast of the Immaculate Conception with special joy and special gratitude. It is in a special way “Our feast.” We rejoice in Mary’s Virginity as she conceived Jesus by the action the Holy Spirit.

So now let us turn to Mary in Prayer; Pray along with me, in silence the beautiful prayer to our Lady composed by St. Bernard of Clairvaux over 800 years ago:
“Remember O most loving Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.”
“Inspired with confidence, we turn to you, O Virgin of Virgins, our Mother, to you we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful.”
“O Mother of the Word Incarnate, do not turn from our petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer us.” Amen

Mary’s Fiat
Today’s Gospel is a story of surrender and empowerment of, Mary’s “fiat”, let it be done to me according to your will, has changed, the course of world history and culture.

Remember, women were under the domination of men at that time; women were little mere possessions like goats and sheep. A woman’s main contribution was to have children and to take care of the home.

But God chose Mary for one of the most important acts of obedience ever demanded of anyone.
By her obedience, she became empowered to share the redemptive work of her Son.

We do not limit God’s choices. He can use us, only when we “let Him.” God’s Blessings or choices may not bring us fame or name, but they full the divine purpose for our salvation. Always the Divine will Prevails.

We too are called to surrender our lives to God, especially during this Advent. We offer ourselves to God’s plan, even if our lives are disastrous. The darkness will not overcome the Light. This is the Christmas of our inner heart and growth into children of God.

Rev. Lucas Thumma