The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: Genesis 3:9–15, 20; Psalm 97(98):1–4; Ephesians 1:3–6, 11–12; Luke 1:26–38
8 December 2025
“Before the world was made, he chose us, chose us in Christ.” – Ephesians 1:4
As we continue our Advent journey, it is fitting that we pause to listen to the echo of the promise God made to us in the beginning. In Genesis, at the time of the sin of our first parents, God promises to raise up the victorious offspring of the woman. As St John Paul II explained so well in Mulieris Dignitatem, the woman is caught up in the spiritual battle for the soul of humanity. Even after her sin, God entrusts humanity to Eve in a particularly intimate way, making her mother of all the living.
At the appointed time, God sent his Son, born of woman—an immaculately conceived woman whose womb was the first living tabernacle of the Lord. The readings for today intertwine these two feasts which so many of us readily confuse—the immaculate conception of our Lady in the womb of St Ann, and the annunciation of the incarnation of the Son of God in the womb of Mary. Mary was chosen by God “before the world was made” to be holy and spotless, filled with grace. She becomes the Mother of all those also chosen to live in Christ. Pondering the radiance of her soul today, may we learn from her to live a life filled with grace—doing everything in Christ, through Christ, and for the greater glory of Christ.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. Amen.
Sr Mary Helen Hill OP
Sr Mary Helen Hill OP is a Dominican Sister of Saint Cecilia dedicated to the evangelisation and education of young people. She has served in several schools and Catholic university chaplaincies in Australia and is currently teaching at St Bernard’s School, Bacchus Marsh, in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
With thanks to the Diocese of Wollongong, who have supplied this reflection from their publication, The Promise: Advent and Christmas Daily Reflections 2025. Reproduced with permission.
