Order out of chaos

The readings proper to today's liturgy paint some stark realities, and a juxtaposition that is worth at least a moment's reflection.

On the one hand, the first chapters of the book of Genesis, specifically parts of the third chapter, tell the story of Adam and Eve and the conversations they have with God once they're 'found out'. Isn't it interesting that human beings will cling so unflaggingly to maintaining their own innocence, even if they are the furthest thing from innocent. In the case of the biblical couple, they responded to God's questioning by passing the buck, first from one to the other, and then to the serpent.

As the questioning continues, it appears that they dig themselves further and further into a hole, one that we are still trying to find our way out of at times. Thankfully though, God sent his son to set things right again, and for this we are eternally thankful (pun intended).

Today's feast is also (and perhaps more importantly) about the role of Mary in our salvation history. In fact, the Church teaches that her role was so pivotal that God intervened at the moment of her own conception to save her from the effects of original sin, the effects of Adam's folly, and to preserve her from this pain so that she might be kept pure and spotless in preparation for the day when she would fulfill her destiny as the vessel through which the Redeemer himself would be brought into the world.

It was Fulton Sheen who mused that only God has ever had the privilege of choosing his own mother, and of bestowing such a precious gift upon her from the very beginning of her life. Today, as we hear the gospel account of Mary's visitation with Elizabeth, and the mutual greetings they exchanged, we rejoice in thanksgiving for the gift of life that was shared so freely with Mary, and we seek her intercession on our behalf so that we might always strive to grow in our appreciation for the infinite love God has for us all.