Immaculate Conception Homily

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

With Marian feasts I usually stress that everything points the way towards her Son, Jesus. It is for this reason that when we pray the “Hail Mary” that Jesus remains at the heart of this prayer. It is He who “is the fruit of thy womb.”

The Immaculate Conception is a doctrine of the Church that has been defined as dogma since 1854. This was only 171 years ago, but this does not mean that this teaching has not been held prior to this date. From the earliest of centuries Christians would honor her as being free from personal sin.

Saint Justin Martyr and Saint Irenaeus in the 2nd century would come to refer to Mary as being the new Eve. This acknowledges the fact that Eve was created without sin upon her soul and yet through the Fall such sin entered into the world. Mary, on the other hand, brought forth the Saviour of the World who has freed us from all sin.

In the 3rd century Saint Gregory the Wonderworker would refer to her as being the New Ark of the Covenant. This title acknowledges the fact that the one who dwelled within her womb was God Himself. This title also points towards the ark which was made of gold for the one whom it contained was God.

Both these titles sum up what is being celebrated through the Immaculate Conception of Mary. She is the Godbearer who would bring forth the second Person of the Most Holy Trinity. Therefore like Eve she was without sin and like the Ark of the Covenant was a pure vessel for God.

None of these traits were enacted by Mary through her own merit. Rather, it was God who worked on her behalf and thus the angel Gabriel was able to proclaim at the Annunciation, “Hail, full of grace.” She has truly been filled with such grace to its fullest degree for God has worked on her behalf.

Let us continue to foster such devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through such devotion we are always being led into a deeper relationship with her Son, Jesus. She never leads us away from Him for she always leads us towards the virtuous life. By coming to pursue such a life we make room for the Lord to enter in and to make His dwelling place among us.

Saint Mary, pray for us.