It is the desire of God that we human beings share his happiness. However, in paradise man and woman ate the forbidden tree, and original sin entered into our lives thus sending man and woman out of paradise. 

Yet, it is the desire of God that we human beings share his happiness and that is why the very first promise was to send the Messiah. The Messiah is none other than the only Son of God, Jesus. The Messiah will be born of the Virgin. But to be born of the Virgin, the Virgin should be free from the stain of sin. Hence, Mary was conceived without sin. 

As we celebrate this Solemnity, three things we remember about the Immaculate Conception that we should remember in our everyday lives:

1. God will do everything for our eternal life. How was Mary born free from sin? How was Jesus born through the Holy Spirit? God will do everything for our eternal life. The question is, do we have the same intensity for desiring eternal life?
   
2. God has a plan. Trust him. The story of Mary’s life is also your story and my story. God has a plan for each and every one of us. Hence, to trust him always even when times are difficult. To be the Mother of Jesus through the Holy Spirit was very hard. Yes, she said, “Be it done according to your Word.”
   
3. Good will always prevail. The devil thought it was able to destroy God’s plan and that it was victorious. Yes, Good always prevails. In today’s times, the biggest battle happens constantly, which is the unseen. Good versus evil. Just look at the generation we live in. The right is made wrong and the wrong is made right; the evil doers are bold and the righteous is right. Worst of all, we have no more sense of sin. Yes, continue to stand up for what is right, what is true, and what is good. All that is needed for evil to prevail is for good people to keep quiet. 

In this Mass, we continue to ask the prayers of Mother Mary for our world, our country, and our own lives. The Bible says the prayer of a righteous person is powerful. Who else is righteous than the one Angel Gabriel greeted, “Hail Favored one,” the person Elizabeth inspired by the Holy Spirit called, “Most blessed among women,” and the one God did not allow the stain of sin to touch. 

How beautiful is The Memorare:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, 
implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, 
was left unaided.  Inspired by this confidence
I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. 
To thee do I come,  before thee I stand, 
sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. 

Amen.