8 December 2022 The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ He said, ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.’ He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?’ The man said, ‘The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.’

From Genesis 3:9-15,20, NRSV

This reading from the Book of Genesis is read on the day when Catholics celebrate the feast of the Conception of Mary. This feast comes as a reminder that Mary alone of all people was spared from the punishment for sin since, from the moment of her conception and throughout her life, she was without sin. This account of “the Fall” recounts the shame and pain that came about as a result of human sinfulness. However, although the man and woman suffered as a result of their sinfulness, God did not abandon them but continued to care for them.

• • What do you think a world without sin would be like?
  • Does God still care for those who sin?

Pray today for those who feel burdened by their sin and who have lost hope of forgiveness.