Today’s Readings – The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Commentary on Genesis 3:9-15; Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12; Luke 1:26-38

The Immaculate Conception means that Mary from the first moment of her existence was totally free from the influence of that universal sinfulness which touches us all from the time we are born. The reason behind this belief (which is not explicitly contained in Scripture, and was only infallibly defined in 1854) is that only a totally sinless environment was fitting for the Son of God in his becoming a human being. It has a very long history in the Church.

The First Reading reminds us that it was a woman (Eve) who was instrumental in bringing pain and suffering, the result of sin, to the whole world. It will also be a woman (Mary) who will be instrumental in bringing to the world its … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor

St Ambrose of Milan, Bishop and Doctor (Memorial)

Ambrose was born in 339 at Trier, son of the Pretorian Prefect of Gaul. There is a legend that, as a small child, a swarm of bees landed on his face as he lay in his cradle and left behind a drop of honey. His father took this as a sign … Continue