Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
December 8, 2020
Daily reading from the USCCB: Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Today the Church celebrates the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this day we recall that Mary the Mother of God, was never afflicted with original sin–never separated from sharing the life of God. In preparation for her part in the redemption of humankind, she was always in full communion with God.
The First Reading for this day is from the Book of Genesis. We hear God in dialogue with Eve about her disobedience and self-seeking. He says that humanity will be afflicted with tension and struggle because of her sinfulness.
Mary is the exception–sinless herself and a source of mercy for the rest of sinful humanity. We pray for Mary’s attention now and at the hour of our death.
