Homily of Monday of the 2nd week of advent.
Solemnity of Immaculate Conception
Genesis 3:9-15,20, Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12, Luke 1:26-38
As we dwelt on the theme of faith and preparation on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, the church presents to us today the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which further explains the importance of sinlessness for those set to be bearers of Christ, as God intended.
The Immaculate Conception is centered on the catholic doctrine that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without the stain of original sin. By God’s grace, she was preserved from sin from the moment of her conception to prepare her to be the pure vessel for the incarnation of Christ.
This privilege points to Mary’s unique role in human salvation history and her full cooperation with God’s plan. This celebration calls us to the life of holiness and the appreciation of transformative grace. God works in us to do his will. So, when he seeks our consent to achieve his purpose, we must not hesitate to say yes, because we may not know how much he has deposited in us for his own greater glory and the redemption of our brothers and sisters. Paul writes, in his letter to the Ephesians,
“Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all the spiritual blessings of heaven in Christ. Before the world was made, he chose us, chose us in Christ, to be holy and spotless, and to live through love in his presence” Eph 1:3-6
Mary cooperated with God’s invitation when she responded to the angel message. “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let what you have said be done to me”
Our aim all through our life should be striving always to make ourselves worthy of God’s promises. He has prepared each of us for a specific purpose.
As we discern his purpose in our lives, may we always walk in the path of perfection.
