First Reading: (Genesis 3:9–15, 20)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 98:1)“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds.”
Second Reading: (Ephesians 1:3–6, 11–12)
Gospel Reading: (Luke 1:26–38)
Reflection
I was able to go to Mass this evening, 5 p.m. at St. Joseph on Edward Street, downtown New Haven, CT. It was a beautiful Mass, and the homily was spot on. It started with a reflection on the first reading, taken from the Old Testament Book of Genesis: the fall of man.
The serpent deceived Eve, and Eve and Adam ate the fruit that God had specifically instructed them not to eat. I have always been fascinated by this story. It reads almost like a fairy tale, yet there is so much to unpack. I like to reflect deeply, and although I won’t understand everything, it leads me to think and connect ideas that I otherwise wouldn’t.
It would have been easy to “whitewash” the past, as the priest said, but we don’t get to do that. The Church wants us to revisit the story of Adam and Eve on this powerful feast day of the Immaculate Conception because the Blessed Mother is the new Eve.
When Adam and Eve fell, it was not the end. Eve became the mother of all the living. That is something to honor. They were not condemned to death by an angry and offended God. This means we have hope ourselves.
When God created us and placed us on this earth, perhaps our own version of the Garden, He knew we would sin along the way. Yet He created us and had us destined for adoption, and that is why we must never lose hope. We are all sinners, but we have a God who is merciful and responsible for our being here, who knew we were going to “fall off a cliff,” and who made the necessary provision for us, too.
It would be easier if we could cut out the history of the human condition, past and present and go back to the Garden, but that would not be the story. The essence of Christianity according to the priest is a life of reality. We must live a real life, that is the life God has called us to witness.
Three points for for further reflections:
First, God prepares His instruments with love.
Before Mary ever spoke her “yes,” God filled her with grace.
Before we were born, God also had a plan for us, calling us to holiness, not perfection by our own strength, but transformation through grace.
Second, Mary is the new Eve.
Just as Eve’s disobedience led humanity into sin, Mary’s obedience brings the Savior who leads humanity back to life.
Her Immaculate Conception is a sign that evil does not have the final word, grace does.
Third and finally, Mary shows us the way to say “yes.”
In a world filled with confusion and fear, she teaches us trust.
Her purity is not a distance from us, it is an invitation.
We too can become dwelling places for God through faith, repentance, and surrender.
God bless you.
Pal Ronnie
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