Word to the Wise
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Dec. 8: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (transferred to Monday 12/9 if 12/8 is a Sunday of Advent )
[Gen 3:9-15, 20; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38]In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. [Ephesians] "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.....Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." [Luke 1:26-38]
The feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary refers to Mary's conception in her mother's womb, and not to the conception of Jesus in Mary's womb. Catholic tradition holds that the alienation of humankind from God, which St. Augustine termed "original sin", was not applied to Mary because she was destined to give birth to the Son of God. The early church fathers, building on St. Paul, referred to her as the "new Eve" giving birth to the "new Adam." [cf. 1 Cor. 15:45-49]. Under the title of the Immaculate Conception, Mary is the patroness of the U.S.A.. Yet, four days later, another feast in honor of Mary is celebrated which seems to eclipse today's celebration, namely, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (which falls on a Sunday this year and will be somewhat eclipsed itself!). I remember celebrating Mass in San Antonio for a small congregation on Dec. 8 (a holy day of obligation in the USA) and for a very large one on Dec. 12 (not a holy day of obligation).
The "Immaculate Conception" refers to a personal privilege of Mary in the sight of God. The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe seems more oriented to "Mary's ministry" - her impact on the People of God, especially the poor and oppressed. This can have a greater maternal and emotional impact on devotion.
Whichever feast we find more attractive, they both call attention to the special status of that feminine figure, that young Jewish woman, sitting by the manger in our nativity scenes. She is "full of grace" and "has found favor with God." AMEN