HOMILY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

HOMILY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY — YEAR A

HOMILY THEME: IMMACULATE CONCEPTION AS DIVINE PREPARATION

BY: Fr. Casmir Nkamuke

Genesis 3: 9-15.20; Ephesians 1: 3-6.11-12; Luke 1: 26-38

Immaculate Conception is one of the four Marian dogmas. Defined by Pius IX, this dogma states that, “From the First moment of her conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, and in view the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of Mankind, kept free from all stain of original sin.” This great privilege prepared her for her role as the mother of Jesus Christ, true God and true man. The Liturgy of today shows us the important role Mary played in our salvation history, and the significance of her Immaculate Conception.

In the First reading, the consequence of original sin is explained. As a result of the fall, man lost sanctifying grace, and inherited original sin. Our Blessed Virgin Mary was spared from the effect of original sin by the merits of her Son Jesus Christ. God prepared her from the moment of her conception for her role as the mother of God.

In his Letter to the Ephesians, Saint Paul describes the fulfilment of God’s salvific plan for mankind in Christ Jesus. This fulfilment begins with the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As the mother of our Saviour, it is fitting that she should be conceived without blemish. This makes her a perfect role model for her son.

The gospel narrates the annunciation of the birth of Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is to conceive through the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Saviour of the world. She responds affirmatively to this divine plan and ushers in the fulfilment of our salvation history. This is exactly the reason for her Immaculate Conception. She was conceived without original sin to make her spotless as she gave birth to the Messiah. This honour also makes her fit to groom the Saviour of the World.

Beloved in the Lord, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin points out God’s preparation in the fulfilment of his plan to save humanity. He prepared Mary to be fit for her role as the mother of God. As we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Lord, we are invited to prepare ourselves to receive him worthily and gladly. By reconciling with God and with our neighbour, we save ourselves from the harm and stain done by sin to our lives and strive towards holiness of life and increase in virtue. To achieve this, we have Mary both as our model and as our intercessor.

May our mother conceived without sin, pray for us sinners who have recourse to her. May her Immaculate Conception inspire in us a holy and spotless lifestyle. May the sanctifying grace received on our baptism merit us eternal salvation.

Happy Solemnity of Immaculate Conception!

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