Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. What does it mean by the Immaculate Conception? It means that Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin. This is the teaching of the Catholic Church. It was in the year 1854 that Pope Pius IX declared the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. There are many arguments regarding the Dogmatic Teachings of the Catholic Church. However when we read the Sacred Scriptures we realize the truth that the Heavenly Father chose the Blessed Mother to be the Mother of His only begotten Son; Christ Jesus. The Gospel according to St. John explained the “Word” became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (Jn1:14) and today’s Gospel proclamation said, “Hail, full of grace” (Lk 1:28). Both Mother and Son were called “Full of Grace”. Therefore two persons without original sin are presented by the Sacred Scripture as full of God’s Grace.

Prayer: Abba Father, grant us the grace to imitate the Blessed Mother in obeying your Word. Amen.