Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

And the Angel being come in, said unto her: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” 
​--Gospel of St. Luke (1:28) 

Mary was always immaculate. In her mothers womb, at her Purification, at the Annunciation, at the Nativity of Christ, at her Betrothal to Joseph and at the Wedding Feast in Cana. 

Mary’s beautiful purity remained her entire life, when journeying to Bethlehem, Egypt, and Nazareth. When St. Joseph passed from this life. At the Cross. 

In all of the joys of Mary’s life, her purity remained. Her devotion to God never ceased. 
In all of the sorrows of Mary’s life, her purity remained. Her devotion to God never ceased. ​

Now, we were not immaculately conceived and will never obtain the state of living in sanctifying grace for the entirety of our lives, but Mary did and continues to. Mary remains the most perfect vessel, the most perfect mother. It is through turning to Mary, however, that our paths are corrected, grace is bestowed upon us, and peace remains in our souls. 

It is on days like this, when we should ponder our spiritual closeness to our Blessed Mother.
​Have you fallen away from the daily recitation of the Rosary? Pick it up again! 
Have you consecrated yourself to Mary? Begin now! 

It is in our sorrows and in our joys of life that Mary seeks to come and remain with us. To place us in her maternal womb and under her mantle.

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No one can enter into Heaven except through Mary, as entering through a gate.
​St. Bonaventure

Reflection written by Seth Ball