Immaculate Conception Homily

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This celebration draws many parallels to the Old Testament especially the figure of Eve.

Verse 15 of the Book of Genesis tells us, “I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel.”

This verse shows the struggle that exists with sin which culminates with the Lord’s death upon the cross. It was through this death that victory was won for us. Mary holds an important roll in this victory for she said yes to the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation and through her womb came forth the savior of the world.

Verse 20 of the Book of Genesis also tells us, “The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.”

One title that has been given to the Blessed Virgin Mary is that of the New Eve. Through the Eve of the Old Testament sin entered into the world, but through the New Eve which is Mary the world came to be redeemed from sin and death through her Son. She serves as mother of all the living for she is the pure and spotless vessel in which God chose to take on our human flesh. Thus the saving effects of this reality continue to be enjoyed by each of us.

This celebration of the Immaculate Conception is to say that Mary was chosen by God to be this pure and spotless vessel. She was prepared for such a task through her Immaculate Conception which is to say that she was conceived without the stain of original sin. Another title attributed to Mary is that of the New Ark of the Covenant. The ark of the covenant was to be pure and spotless for it contained the presence of God. Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant for she was pure and spotless and God came to dwell in her womb.

If we analyze the Gospel of Saint John we would notice that Mary is constantly referred to as woman instead of by her name. At the wedding feast of Cana, “Woman…my hour has not yet come.” When upon the cross, “Woman, behold your son.” We would notice that Eve is only known by her name after the fall. Therefore, the use of this word “woman” is showing great honor to Mary because it is heralding her as the New Eve.

As we further this celebration of the Immaculate Conception may we come to foster devotion for her. She is our mother and devotion to her always leads back to her Son. As we continue our Advent preparations we must always come to our open our heart to be found receptive of her Son.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.