Scripture Study for
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Genesis 3:9–15, 20 / Psalm 98:1a / Ephesians 1:3–6, 11–12 / Luke 1:26–38
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Understanding the Word
By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.
The first reading was probably chosen for this feast because the traditional depiction of Mary as the Immaculate Conception has her foot on the head of the serpent. Actually, the text has “he will strike at your head” (Genesis 3:15), not she. However, the meaning of the passage continues to be important. Since there is no mention of a “fall” from grace, it is best to think of this story simply as an account of sin. After the sin, the woman and man are naked (spiritually exposed), and they refuse to take responsibility for their fault. Each blames another. The final words state that throughout their lives, human beings will have to battle temptation.
Paul insists that salvation in Christ was not an afterthought, but was in God’s plan from the beginning. Furthermore, believers are not chosen because they were holy and blameless, but that they might be made holy and blameless. In other words, salvation is the cause, not the consequence, of righteousness. Paul further states that we were destined for adoption through Christ, so we have been redeemed by his blood. Our redemption exacted a ransom, and that ransom was the shedding of Christ’s blood. All this was done so that God’s plan finally would be brought to fulfillment, the plan to bring all things together in Christ.
According to the passage from Matthew’s Gospel, the conception of Jesus took place within the broader picture of God’s plan of salvation. The angel’s words are both reassuring and perplexing. Mary, a virgin, will bear a son whose name indicates the role that he will play in God’s plan (Jesus means “God saves”). Her response does not question that all of this will happen according to God’s plan, but she wonders how it will happen. She is also a model of openness and receptivity, regardless of the apparent impossibility of what is being asked. The reading shows that the expectations of the past are now being fulfilled.