Growing up I always thought the feast of the Immaculate Conception commemorated the conception of Jesus. But if that was the case someone's timeline is a tad wrong as we celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th. So how could his Conception be on December 8th? That is not 9 months....... The reason it sat with me was he was the Son of god so maybe the 9 months did not apply to him. Clearly this logical reasoning was used before I really understood the Gospels especially st Luke's account of Mary's visit to Elizabeth where the writer tells us that having visited Elizabeth to share the news she stayed with her 3 months. Then a few years ago I finally understood, December 8th commemorates the conception of Mary not the Conception of Jesus. 9 months later on September 8th we celebrate the birth of Mary.
What is the Immaculate Conception?
The Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived in the normal way in that she had a human Mam and day, Anne and Joachim. But she was different in that she was immune from all state of sin from the moment of her conception. all humanity sin but not Mary, she was protected from contracting original and personal sin. This protection was a grace bestowed on her by God from the very beginning of her existence. Mary is known as the new Eve, they were both both conceived without sin. but unlike Eve Mary did not fall from Grace. She remained faithful to the gift that was bestowed on her. It was not necessary for Mary to be Immaculate in order to be the Mother of Jesus. However, it was fitting that she was Immaculate and without sin to bear Jesus in her womb. Jesus too was born without sin and like his mother he remained sin free. We are redeemed from sin by Jesus and Mary, the new Adam and Eve.
December 8th- The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
Sharing my some of my thoughts and reflections on life and the Gospels. Sharing words or inspiration I stumble upon too. In a word full of such sadness we need to remember that there is hope, there is light.
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