“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”
–Ephesian 5:25-27
Meditation
Today we are celebrating Mary’s Immaculate Conception. This feast is incredibly important to the Church because it helps us dive into the Mystery of the nature of God. You see, we are celebrating the fact that God’s mercy over Our Lady was so great, that the redemption of Jesus Christ touched her from the instant of her conception so that Satan, sin, and even death could not harm her; she was conceived without Original Sin. To put it another way, God applied the grace of the crucifixion to Mary before the crucifixion had occurred in linear time. How amazing is that?!
Prayer
O most Holy Virgin, immaculate in body and spirit, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, receive my prayers as I present them to God. (state your intentions here)
O Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, you intercede for us with your Son. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Amen.
