The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 8, 2005
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(today is a Holyday of Obligation)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Luke 1:26-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

One cannot underestimate the significance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation history! The simple and yet profound "fiat" of the Blessed Virgin Mary reversed the course of the eternal destinies for millions of people. So, what meaning can we take from this solemnity, for ourselves, today, as we near the end of 2005?

Perhaps we might start with the question God put to Adam in the Garden of Eden. He asked Adam: "Where are you?" (see Genesis 3:9) We are still somewhat early in the Advent season and we might ask ourselves that same question in regard to our life in Christ. The Second Reading reminds us that we were destined before the world came into being, "...for the praise of His Glory" (see Ephesians 1:12) What an awesome honor and responsibility! How are we doing as a person born to live a life praising God?

Sacred artwork pertinent to this season is robust with images of the Blessed Virgin lovingly holding and carrying a swaddled infant. We are like that infant, born into our Christian heritage through Baptism and standing naked and helpless, like Adam, before the very eyes of God, our loving Father.

Let us take hope from Mary, the mother given us at the foot of the cross, a mother who was strong enough to say "Fiat" -- a simple word which changed the face of time and eternity!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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