HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

Saturday, December 8, is a “holy day of obligation,” the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When you come to Mass, however, you might think we are celebrating the conception of Jesus because the gospel will be that of the Annunciation. This feast has to do with Mary’s conception in the womb of her mother Anne. What difference does it make that Mary was “conceived without sin?” With what sin was I conceived? It all has to do with that free choice of our ancient ancestors to go against the will of God. We call it “original sin.” Mary was preserved from that inheritance, as the “prayer over the gifts” indicates by a “prevenient grace” so as to be the bearer of the Word to humanity. In the Letter to the Ephesians, which we hear at that Mass, we, too, are called “chosen” before the foundation of the world to be holy…destined for adoption” (Ephesians 1:4-5). Like, Mary, we are called to be obedient to the will of the Father, and in the power of the Spirit, to reflect the presence of the Son to a waiting world. Our Masses for the feast are on Friday, the 7th, at 5:30pm and 7:00pm (Healing Mass); and on the 8th at 8:00am and 11:00am.