The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invite us to consider the events in our life journey that have prepared us to surrender to the Way of fullness of life.
The Reading from the Book of Genesis proclaims the Expulsion from Eden.
* [3:14] Each of the three punishments (the snake, the woman, the man) has a double aspect, one affecting the individual and the other affecting a basic relationship. The snake previously stood upright, enjoyed a reputation for being shrewder than other creatures, and could converse with human beings as in vv. 1–5. It must now move on its belly, is more cursed than any creature, and inspires revulsion in human beings (v. 15).
* [3:15] They will strike…at their heel: the antecedent for “they” and “their” is the collective noun “offspring,” i.e., all the descendants of the woman. Christian tradition has seen in this passage, however, more than unending hostility between snakes and human beings. The snake was identified with the devil (Wis 2:24; Jn 8:44; Rev 12:9; 20:2), whose eventual defeat seemed implied in the verse. Because “the Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the devil” (1 Jn 3:8), the passage was understood as the first promise of a redeemer for fallen humankind, the protoevangelium. Irenaeus of Lyons (ca. A.D. 130–200), in his Against Heresies 5.21.1, followed by several other Fathers of the Church, interpreted the verse as referring to Christ, and cited Gal 3:19 and 4:4 to support the reference. Another interpretive translation is ipsa, “she,” and is reflected in Jerome’s Vulgate. “She” was thought to refer to Mary, the mother of the messiah. In Christian art Mary is sometimes depicted with her foot on the head of the serpent.
* [3:16] Toil…pain: the punishment affects the woman directly by increasing the toil and pain of having children. He shall rule over you: the punishment also affects the woman’s relationship with her husband. A tension is set up in which her urge (either sexual urge or, more generally, dependence for sustenance) is for her husband but he rules over her. But see Sg 7:11.
* [3:17–19] Cursed is the ground: the punishment affects the man’s relationship to the ground (’adam and ’adamah). You are dust: the punishment also affects the man directly insofar as he is now mortal.
* [3:20] The man gives his wife a more specific name than “woman” (2:23). The Hebrew name hawwa (“Eve”) is related to the Hebrew word hay (“living”); “mother of all the living” points forward to the next episode involving her sons Cain and Abel. (“Genesis, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB,” n.d.)
Psalm 98 is extolling God for Israel’s victory.
* [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9). (“Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB,” n.d.)
The Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians proclaims the Father’s Plan of Salvation and Inheritance through the Spirit.
* [1:3–14] While a Pauline letter usually continues after the greeting with a prayer of thanksgiving, as in Eph 1:15–23 below, Ephesians first inserts a blessing of God for the blessings Christians have experienced, as in 2 Cor 1:3–4 and 1 Pt 1:3–12. The blessing here, akin to a Jewish berakah, is rich in images almost certainly drawn from hymns and liturgy. Many ideas here are also found in Col 1:3–23. Certain phrases are frequently repeated, such as in Christ (Eph 1:3, 10, 12) or in him (Eph 1:4, 7, 9, 11, 13) or in the beloved (Eph 1:6) and (for) the praise of (his) glory (Eph 1:6, 12, 14). Some terms like chose (Eph 1:4) and destined (Eph 1:5) reflect Old Testament theology (Dt 7:7; 9:4–6; 23:5) or Pauline themes (redemption, Eph 1:7, 14; grace, Eph 1:6, 7) or specific emphases in Colossians (forgiveness, Col 1:14). A triadic structure is discernible in Eph 1:3–14: God the Father (Eph 1:3–6, 8, 11), Christ (Eph 1:3, 5, 7–10, 12), and the Spirit (Eph 1:13–14). The spiritual blessings Christians have received through Christ (Eph 1:3) are gratefully enumerated: the call to holiness (Eph 1:4; cf. Col 1:22); the gift of divine adoption establishing a unique spiritual relationship with God the Father through Christ (Eph 1:5; cf. Gal 4:5); liberation from sin through Christ’s sacrificial death (Eph 1:7); revelation of God’s plan of salvation in Christ (Eph 1:9; cf. Eph 3:3–4; Rom 16:25); the gift of election and faith in Christ bestowed upon Jewish Christians (see note on Eph 1:12, we who first hoped in Christ); and finally, the same gift granted to Gentiles (Eph 1:13, you also). In the Christ-centered faith and existence of the Christian communities the apostle sees the predetermined plan of God to bring all creation under the final rule of Christ (Eph 1:4–5, 9–10) being made known (Eph 1:9) and carried through, to God’s glory (Eph 1:6, 12, 14).
* [1:3] In the heavens: literally, “in the heavenlies” or “in the heavenly places,” a term in Ephesians for the divine realm.
* [1:9] Mystery: as in Rom 16:25; Col 1:26, 27 and elsewhere, a secret of God now revealed in the plan to save and sum up all things in Christ (Eph 1:10); cf. Eph 3:3–6.
* [1:12] We who first hoped: probably Jewish Christians (contrast Eph 1:13, you, the Gentiles); possibly the people of Israel, “we who already enjoyed the hope of Christ,” or perhaps present hope in contrast to future redemption (cf. Eph 1:14). (“Ephesians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB,” n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Mary responds to the Announcement of the Birth of Jesus.
* [1:26–38] The announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus is parallel to the announcement to Zechariah of the birth of John. In both the angel Gabriel appears to the parent who is troubled by the vision (Lk 1:11–12, 26–29) and then told by the angel not to fear (Lk 1:13, 30). After the announcement is made (Lk 1:14–17, 31–33) the parent objects (Lk 1:18, 34) and a sign is given to confirm the announcement (Lk 1:20, 36). The particular focus of the announcement of the birth of Jesus is on his identity as Son of David (Lk 1:32–33) and Son of God (Lk 1:32, 35).
* [1:32] Son of the Most High: cf. Lk 1:76 where John is described as “prophet of the Most High.” “Most High” is a title for God commonly used by Luke (Lk 1:35, 76; 6:35; 8:28; Acts 7:48; 16:17).
* [1:34] Mary’s questioning response is a denial of sexual relations and is used by Luke to lead to the angel’s declaration about the Spirit’s role in the conception of this child (Lk 1:35). According to Luke, the virginal conception of Jesus takes place through the holy Spirit, the power of God, and therefore Jesus has a unique relationship to Yahweh: he is Son of God. (“Luke, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB,” n.d.)
Susan Naatz comments that a search for the word handmaid yields terms such as female servant, helper, and partner. She responded that she would serve, help, and partner with God to be the mother of this precious baby. She had a choice. She was free. She chose to say: “May it be done to me according to your word”.
Mary is not alone. God is always trying to break into our lives. We are free and at the same time supported by a God who wishes to be an integral part of our life journey. In my work in ministry, I cannot count the number of times I have heard people say: I believe that God has had a hand in the direction and decisions of my life. I realize that I am free to make life choices, but the countless moments of inspiration, words of other people, insights, and love had to come from God.
Saint Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, would agree. Ignatius …without any foreknowledge of our modern social media imaged God as breaking into our life in a myriad of ways every day…God is always trying to communicate with us (Fleming, 2005).
Each of us has had and will continue to experience Gabriel moments. God will always break in. Our call is to notice. Today, may we be mindful of our own Gabriel moments—both past and present. When has God broken into our life? How were (or are) we invited to partner with God and take new paths/risks? Those invitations and decisions may be life-altering and not always easy. Yet our inspiration comes from Gabriel’s words to Mary: Do not be afraid. (Naatz, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “God borrows Mary's flesh to lead humanity to glory,” by an anonymous early author from the Greek church.
"Revealing to you the pre-eternal counsel, Gabriel came and stood before you, maid, and in greeting said, 'Rejoice, earth that has not been sown; rejoice, burning bush that remains unconsumed; Rejoice, unsearchable depth; Rejoice, bridge that leads to heaven; Rejoice, ladder raised on high that Jacob saw; Rejoice, divine jar of manna; Rejoice, deliverance from the curse; Rejoice, restoration of Adam, the Lord is with you!'
"'You appeared to me in the form of a man,' said the undefiled maid to the chief of the heavenly hosts. 'How then do you speak to me of things that pass human power? For you have said that God shall be with me and shall take up his dwelling in my womb. How shall I become the spacious habitation and the holy place of him that rides upon the cherubim? (Psalm 18:10) Do not amuse me with deceit; for I have not known pleasure, I have not entered into wedlock. How then shall I bear a child?'
"Then the bodiless angel replied, 'When God so wills, the order of nature is overcome, and what is beyond humankind comes to pass. Believe that my sayings are true, all-holy and immaculate lady.' And she cried aloud, 'Let it be to me according to your word, and I shall bear him that is without flesh, who shall borrow flesh from me, that through this mingling he may lead humankind up to his ancient glory, for he alone has power so to do!'"(excerpt from STICHERA OF THE ANNUNCIATION) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 1:26-38 comments that today’s Gospel reveals three surprising truths about our life in Christ. First, it points to the miracle of Mary’s Immaculate Conception, which we celebrate today. Since Mary was freed from the stain of original sin, she wasn’t subject to the cynicism and the selfishness that often lurk in our hearts. We see this in her humble response to the angel Gabriel. He had just invited her to welcome into her womb a child conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Finally, today’s Gospel reveals how God relates to us. Every day, Jesus stands before us and offers us his grace and his wisdom. He knows that, just like Mary, we are free to choose how to respond to his offer. Every day, he opens himself up to the possibility of being rejected by the people he loves so deeply. All in the hopes that we will instead surrender to him. All in the hopes that we will echo Mary’s response: “Let it be done to me according to your will.”
Jesus is standing before you right now. He wants to share his heart with you. How will you respond?
“Holy, Immaculate Mary, teach me how to say yes to the Lord, just as you did!” (“Meditation on Luke 1:26-38,” n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments that the reading from Genesis is an account of the first sin bringing isolation and alienation into the world and it presents an etiology of the punishment of the snake, an animal without legs as a parable. The enmity between the snake and the woman might be explained as a natural repulsion or a reference to conquering Moab, interpreted as Jesus crushing evil, and is often attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary. God has planned in predestiny that His will be fulfilled in His Way and applied to the predestination of Mary. God intended for all to be saved but we can reject God’s plan. Mary, betrothed to Joseph, is hailed full of Grace using a verb in the perfect tense indicating she was always full of grace, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. She would bear a son, Jesus, “Yahweh saves”. Mary would understand Jesus as a “Jewish hero of God” but we understand as the Begotten Son of God. Why the different response to the questioning of Zachariah and Mary? Mary asks a valid question. The Holy Spirit, as with the Ark, overshadows Mary as the new Ark of the Covenant. Friar Jude comments “Let it be done according to Your Word” is evidence of Immaculate Conception in her total vulnerability and surrender to the Will of God.
Fr. Mike Schmitz comments on the growing divide between Judaism and Christianity that Paul experiences on mission in Acts 21. In 2 Corinthians, Fr. Mike explains the difference between Godly grief that brings us to repentance, and worldly grief that leads us to destruction. We also learn about the importance of imitating the generosity of Christ. Today's readings are Acts 21, 2 Corinthians 6-8, and Proverbs 29:1-4.
Father Richard Rohr, OFM, reflects on the dance of divine intimacy.
The divine-human love affair really is a reciprocal dance. Sometimes, in order for us to step forward, our partner must step away a bit. The withdrawal lasts only a moment, and its purpose is to pull us closer—but it doesn’t feel like that in the moment. It feels like our partner is retreating.
God creates the pullback, “hiding his face,” as it was called by many mystics and scriptures. God creates a vacuum that God alone can fill. Then God waits to see if we will trust our God partner to eventually fill that space within us, which now has grown even more spacious and receptive. This is the central theme of darkness, necessary doubt, or what the mystics call “God’s withdrawing of love.” What feels like suffering, depression, uselessness—moments when God has withdrawn—are often deep acts of trust and invitations to intimacy on God’s part. On the soul’s inner journey, we meet a God who interacts with our deepest selves, allowing and forgiving mistakes. It is precisely this give-and-take, and knowing there will be give-and-take, that makes God so real as a Lover. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)
We ponder or recall the incidences of surrender to Providence and Divine Love on our journey and the New Life that follows “Let it be done to me according to Your Will”
References
(n.d.). Word Among Us. https://wau.org/meditations/2025/12/08/1441984/
Ephesians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 8, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/1?3
Genesis, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 8, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?9
Luke, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 8, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?26
Naatz, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved December 8, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-december-8-2025
Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 8, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98?1
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 8, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-dance-of-intimacy/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). For with God Nothing Will Be Impossible. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 8, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/
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