Mary is an inspiration to live a Holy Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season: Second Week : Monday*

*Immaculate Conception of Mary - Solemnity*

*Gospel : Lk 1:26-38*

*First Reading : Gn 3:9-15, 20*

*Responsorial Psalm :Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4*

*Second Reading - Eph 1:3-6, 11-12*

*Mary is an inspiration to live a Holy Life*

*1) Immaculate conception of Mary*

This feast tells us that Mary was conceived with any stain of sin, and original sin 

She was not affected by the original sin or any other sins as well 

That's the meaning of immaculate conception

*2) Immaculate conception is a special privilege*

It is a special privilege granted to Mary by God 

It is only Mary who enjoyed this special privilege 

It is a special gift of God to our Blessed Mother 

*3) Immaculate conception reveals God's Plan*

God had a great and special plan to save the mankind

Immaculate conception of Mary could be considered as the part of God's salvific plan 

To send His Son, God was preparation His way through the Blessed Virgin Mary 

So God gave  this privilege to Mary 

In a way, this event reveals God's salvific plan to the mankind 

*4) Immaculate Conception and the Holiness*

This feast and the event in the life of Mary, highlights the importance of Holiness 

Above all God valued the Holiness of Mary and God desires such a holiness from every one 

Every day God calls us every one to the Holiness, which is seen in the Life of Mary 

*5) Mary as great Model*

There is no doubt that Mary is a great model for us 

She is a model for purity, charity, faith and humility 

We can  learn lot of things from Mary. That's why she is model for all and at all times 

*6) Mary's invitation to all* 

As we celebrate the solemnity of the immaculate conception of Mary, she invites all of us to a life of Holiness 

Secondly Mary invites us to know the will of God and to submit ourselves to the will of God

Mary also invites us to  accept the challenges in life when it comes doing something better for the other 

Am I ready to follow the footsteps of our Blessed Mother?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*