Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.  In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.

We are all adopted children of God through Jesus Christ, who made us his brothers and sisters through his life, passion, death, and resurrection. He broke his body and poured out his blood for us in order to secure us our adoption... to make us co-heirs to the Kingdom of God. He shows us how to be good and faithful children to our Heavenly Father. He shared his own Holy Mother with us while on the cross and asked us to take her into our homes and hearts. He gave us his Holy Spirit to be our advocate and constant guide. He has offered his love, his mercy, his saving and sanctifying grace to fill us with good things so we might grow in favor with God and give praise and glory to Him for all He has done for us.

How are we living out our calling to be co-heirs to the kingdom of God? What can we do to become more faithful children of our Lord? Do we give thanks for all the blessings God has given us, especially the Holy Spirit and our Holy Queen, Mary?

O Lord, bless us in Christ with every spiritual blessing.

Amen.