The Feast of the Immaculate Conception – What does it mean to be born without sin?

 December 8, 2016

Advent Season of Hope

Mary, vessel of God, born without sin, she was destined from her birth for greatness. God blessed her in a special way to be fit to be mother of his son. Even in her mother’s womb, she was destined for greatness, great joy as well as great sorrow, great trials.

Somehow she was freed from the original sin that plagues the rest of us. Free from sin, yet capable of sin. To say she was incapable of sin would take away from the gift, her freely chosen yes to God’s request. If she had no freedom to say no, to go against God’s will, her yes would mean nothing.

The gift to be born without sin was given by God, but it was hers to preserve throughout her life. In the same way, we are given gifts at birth. It is up to us what we chose to do with them.

Mary chose well. She chose God and God’s ways, not the ways of the world. May we chose as wisely.

Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”  Luke 1:38

This post is part of a series of reflections on the Church year. To receive daily posts through your email, click on the button below.