Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Theme: MARY FULL OF GRACE

(Luke 1:26b-38)

Today, we celebrate the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. It tells us that our Lady was conceived sinlessly. The Church proudly declares: Macula non est in te( No sin is found in you )

We thank God for the Immaculate Conception of the virgin Mary. This is because God is the initiator of her holiness. We thank God for the grace He lavished on the Blessed Virgin Mary which made her to cooperate with the initiative of God.

God is the master planner. He is the designer of the Immaculate Conception. He will not wish His birth to be contaminated by any form of stain or wrinkle. Thus, she knew Our Lady even before she was born. He made her full of grace.

To be filled one must have been empty. Mary passed through a form of “kenosis”; She gave in to self-emptying. She rejoices in her nothingness before God and relies on the power of God to lift her up.

Today, let us empty ourselves of pride, let us empty ourselves of the vices, let us sweep out from our soul whatever sin that has filled our lives. Let us flush out of our system whatever vices we have allowed so far to possess us. Let’s create room and the necessary conditions for the grace of God to operate in our lives.

Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, conceived without sin, the mediatrix of all graces may we work in the grace of God.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Blessed are You Lord God almighty for the gift of Mary our mother. Let your grace which filled the Blessed Mother fill us also. May we share in the fullness Mary’s fullness of grace. Through Christ Your Son, who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen

God bless your Wednesday.

Happy Solemnity to you.

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh