Homily: December 8, 2025, Solemnity of Immaculate Conception

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 “He chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.”

These powerful words from St. Paul to the Ephesians remind us of a truth that should fill our hearts with great joy: we are chosen. We choose or nominate someone because we see great value in the person. It is an honor to be chosen, especially for something great.

But today, St. Paul tells us something far greater: You and I have been chosen by God Himself the Creator of the vast universe, the Lord of galaxies and stars, the One who holds everything in existence.

And God chose us, long before the world began, long before our birth, before we could do anything to earn His love. Why?

Because God has a divine purpose for all of us.

The blessed virgin Mary was chosen too, in an extraordinary way. God chose her and granted her a unique grace: conception without original sin. Mary’s soul was untouched by any stain of sin from the very first moment of her existence. God has a plan of salvation, and chose Mary to participate in that plan.

She was preserved in purity because she was chosen to bear the Son of God, to raise Him, to walk with Him and to stand beneath the cross, participating in his Passion, death and resurrection in an intimate way.

Although Mary was graced without original sin, she could still sin if she gave in to temptations. Yet she remained faithful to God’s will all through her life.

Mary understood her purpose. She said “yes” with trust, humility, and faithfulness.

Just as Mary was chosen, we too are chosen.

So, are we also open and faithful to God’s will, like Mary?

There is only one thing we need to do to be open and faithful to God’s will and that is to always respond to Gods’ invitations like Mary did, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

When we humble ourselves and when we place our lives in God’s hands, He will do great wonders beyond our imagination.

Today as we celebrate Mary’s immaculate conception, we honor her as our Mother too, and request her intercession.

Mary, immaculately conceived, help us to say “yes” like you did. Pray for us, that we may accomplish the purpose for which God has chosen us.

Amen.


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