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 THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY [Moved to Monday, Dec. 9 because Dec. 8 fell on a Sunday.]

 

     "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God..."

  

     The Blessed Virgin Mary has a privileged place in the providential plan of God.  The belief that she was conceived free of the alienation caused by original sin [as recounted in Genesis today] was somewhat slow to develop into a full-fledged dogma in the church.  It was only in 1854 that Pope Pius IX declared this to be a part of Catholic faith.  Theologians were lined up on all sides of the question.  Did Mary have to become "less human" in order that Jesus could be born of her?  The questions go on and on.  In the end we are faced with the famous theological thinking:  "It could have happened; it should have happened; therefore it did happen."  Nothing is impossible with God.

 

     That is all in the past.  Mary remains chosen and privileged in the great plan of providence as witnessed by the scripture from Ephesians today.  The angel Gabriel testifies to this designation in today's gospel scripture.  The "Immaculate Conception" is one of many titles that she has been given by the church and faithful Christians over the centuries.  Under that title, she is the patroness of the church in the United States of America, which is why this day is a holy day of obligation in our country.  Her title, Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated Dec. 12, is more popular now in the USA, if attendance at Mass is any indicator, but she remains no less the "Immaculate Conception" and finds favor with God on our behalf.  AMEN