Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

“The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin” (Ineffabilis Deus). Ben Sirach wrote, “Sin entered the world through a woman, and because of her we all die” (Sir. 25:24). The savior of mankind entered the world through Mary and because of her, we have become heirs to eternal life. Eve was taken from Adam’s side as he slumbered. Mary, the new Eve, was brought forth from Christ’s pierced side as he hung on the cross in the slumber of death. As death was the fruit of the tree in Paradise, eternal life was the fruit of the tree of the Cross.

The Eternal Word, the Beloved Son of the Father, “who is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8), prepared a fitting dwelling place where he would pitch his tent among men. Because he is eternally changeless, he could, and did, apply to Mary the merits of his suffering and death. From the first moment of her conception, Mary became the first fruit of the new creation. Looking down from his heavenly throne, the Beloved Son saw the new life implanted in Anna’s womb and said, “Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:5). The obedient daughter supplanted the disobedient mother. The daughter of Eve, who had been driven out of the garden (CF. Gen 2:23), became the enclosed garden (CF. Song 4:12) where the Incarnate Word delighted to dwell. The chosen virgin of Nazareth would give birth to the one who held her in his hand.

The promised enmity between Satan’s offspring and the woman’s offspring is proof that God had a plan for our salvation in mind even before the creation of the world. While Satan used a serpent to seduce Eve, God would use Eve’s offspring to crush the serpent. The heel that crushed the serpent’s head belonged to the foot of God’s only begotten Son. His hands molded his mother’s body in Anna’s womb. He was the Potter and she the clay, the work of his hands (CF. Is. 64:8). He modeled her after the design of his sanctuary in heaven and took great delight in her (CF. Gen. 1:31). As he looked upon the work of his hands he said, “This is my resting place, here will I dwell, for this is the home I have chosen” (Ps. 132:14).

Throughout her life and for ages unending, Mary’s Immaculate Heart has echoed the new song of God’s redeeming love: “Worthy is the Lamb to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing” (Rev. 5:12). She sings this new song to acknowledge the wonders he has done, celebrate her lord and son’s praise, and declare God’s ever-faithful love.

 

Hail, O you, through whom Joy will shine forth!

Hail, O you who have become a Kingly Throne!

Hail, O you through whom creation is renewed!

Hail, Celestial Ladder, by whom God came down!

Hail, O Bridge leading earthly ones to heaven!

Hail, O Mother of the Star Without Setting!

Hail, O Pillar of Fire who guided those in darkness!

Hail, O Lamplight of Knowledge to many!

Hail, O Tabernacle of God the Word!

Hail Mary full of grace!

(Akathist Hymn)