A reflection on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Inmaculada Concepción (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The most Blessed Virgin Mary was,from the first moment of conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.” – Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus, 1854
Before I begin my reflection it is good to note what is written in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 47:
What the Catholic faith believes about Mary is based on what it believes about Christ, and what it teaches about Mary illumines in turn its faith in Christ.
“Hail full of grace! The Lord is with you,” were the first words used to greet Mary. Why would the angel call her full of grace, if she is not full of grace. One is full of grace if one is not stained by sin. This is what is meant by the Immaculate Conception, from the beginning of her conception Mary is unstained by sin. This grace, of course, does not come from her power, nor her merits but rather it came from the grace of God given gratuitously to man. It is indeed necessary that she be conceived immaculately, because her Son to be should not be under the power of the evil one in any form. Because of her immaculate conception, God the Son to be made flesh, became possible.
The Immaculate Conception is the dawn on which the promise of God in the Old Testament will be fulfilled. Being conceived immaculate, Mary has become the first rays of light for the coming of the Savior. Through her respond to the angel, “be it done to me according to your word,” the promise of a Savior has been fulfilled. The long waiting is no more. Jesus has come to the world. This is the purpose of her Immaculate Conception.
As Mary was born with a purpose, every man is born with a purpose. Although our purpose is not as great, as that of Mary but we can always allow God to work in us that Jesus would become present in the world. By saying “yes” God became flesh, He became man. Also through our positive respond to God, we allow him to become flesh, through our deeds, words, and even thought. To whomever you did these deeds, words and thoughts God is made present in them because you said “yes” to God.
It is already December, and Christmas is just around the corner. Be like Mary for others, that Jesus may become incarnate in them. Then indeed, we will not wait for Christmas to come, for Christ has already come through your words, thoughts and deeds. The promise of God is indeed fulfilled in them because you simply said “yes” to God.
Life as I know it... 
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