Florida Catholic | Jubilee Teachings December 8 & 9, 2007

JUBILEE TEACHING

Immaculate Conception

JUBILEE TEACHING FOR DECEMBER 8, 2007 | SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

JUBILEE INFORMATION

“The Immaculate Conception” is a title for Mary, the mother of Jesus. The expression means that Mary was conceived without sin. The conviction that Jesus was born of a virgin is a distinct belief, even though many Catholics erroneously think that the Immaculate Conception refers to Jesus.

Contributing to the confusion is the celebration of the Immaculate Conception during the season of Advent. While the faithful are preparing to honor the birth of Jesus, we commemorate the conception of Mary. The choice of Dec. 8 for the Immaculate Conception does not directly relate to Advent; it corresponds more to the traditional date for the feast of the birth of Mary, Sept. 8, which coincides with the dedication of a Jerusalem church in honor of the mother of Mary. The feast for the conception of Mary is backed up nine months from that day. In a similar way we celebrate the Annunciation on March 25, nine months before the birth of Jesus.

Belief in the Immaculate Conception asserts that God preserved Mary from all sin from the moment of her conception, thus preparing a pure vessel for the incarnation of the Son. This belief is not expressly contained in the Scriptures, but it enjoys a widespread following in the church’s tradition. Although the Immaculate Conception of Mary has been affirmed since the earliest centuries of Christianity, it was not formally proclaimed a dogma of the church until 1854. Dec. 8 is now a holy day of obligation in the United States, which is placed under Mary’s patronage with this title.

When Mary is depicted as the Immaculate Conception, she is often shown wearing a crown of stars as the woman in Revelation 12 and standing on a snake, reversing the temptation of Eve. Mary, the Immaculate Conception, is the exalted queen of heaven who manifests God’s power over sin.

Advent Arrival

JUBILEE TEACHING FOR DECEMBER 9, 2007 | SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The church year begins with the Christmas cycle, which encompasses the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. The Christmas cycle begins with Advent (which starts in late November) and ends with the Baptism of the Lord (third Sunday after Christmas), which celebrates the beginning of Christ’s public ministry.

Advent is a four-week season that anticipates the upcoming birth of Christ; advent literally means “arrival.” Advent is a season of preparation, which begins on the Sunday closest to Nov. 30, the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle. Advent is a season of mixed themes — of both penance and joy. The Advent wreath, with its four candles, symbolizes the end of darkness and the turning toward light in the coming of the Lord.

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JUBILEE TEACHING

Immaculate Conception

JUBILEE INFORMATION

Advent Arrival

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