Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8 December 2025)

 

Readings

First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Catholic Gallery+2Catholic Online+2
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 Catholic Gallery+1
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 Catholic Gallery+1
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38 Catholic Gallery+1

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Opening Prayer 

Almighty ever-living God, who filled the Immaculate Virgin Mary with the grace of your presence, grant us, we pray, that we who venerate her may be drawn by her prayers to the riches of the Saviour’s grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Explanation of the Readings

First Reading (Genesis 3:9-15,20)

This passage recounts the fall of humanity: God calls Adam “Where are you?” (v. 9) after the disobedience; Adam blames the woman (v. 12); God pronounces judgment but also the first promise of a Redeemer: “I will put enmity between you and the woman… he shall crush your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (v. 15) Catholic Online+1 The reading ends with Adam naming his wife Eve, because she is the mother of all living (v.20).

In the context of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the reading underscores humanity’s fallen state, the need for redemption, and hints at the role of “the woman” whose seed will overcome the serpent.

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 98:1,2-3ab,3cd-4)

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds…” (v.1) This Psalm praises God’s saving power revealed to the nations, his justice, his mercy. Catholic Gallery+1 It invites us to rejoice and to acclaim the Lord for his wondrous works.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12)

St Paul gives a grand theological proclamation: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing…” (v.3) Further: “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love.” (v.4-5) Catholic Gallery In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, “so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might live for the praise of his glory.” (v.12)

This reading illuminates the mystery of divine election and grace: the God who redeems, calls, chooses, blesses. In relation to Mary, we recall that she too was called from eternity as the one full of grace, preserved from original sin (in Catholic doctrine) and placed in the order of redemption.

Gospel (Luke 1:26-38)

Here we have the Annunciation: the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, addresses her as “full of grace” (v.28), tells her she will conceive and bear the Son of God. Mary asks: “How can this be, since I have no husband?” (v.34). Gabriel answers: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you… therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” (v.35) Then Mary’s fiat: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.” (v.38) Catholic Gallery+1

This Gospel is central to the Feast: Mary’s response, her assent, and her being chosen by God as the mother of Christ. Catholic teaching holds that from the first moment of her conception she was preserved from original sin — hence the title Immaculate Conception.

Application for Catholics & Catechumens in Singapore

  1. Reflect on your identity in Christ
    The Second Reading reminds us we are chosen, blessed, adopted children of God in Christ. Even as we prepare for baptism (catechumens) or renew our baptismal promises (Catholics), we can ask: Do I live aware of being chosen? Do I live with the dignity of one called by God, or do I live lowered by guilt, shame, complacency?

  2. Emulate Mary’s fiat
    Mary’s “yes” is a model of faith and trust: she did not understand everything but trusted in God’s word. For catechumens preparing for full initiation and for Catholics renewing their faith: Am I willing to say yes to God’s plans even when I don’t fully see? In Singapore’s busy, secular environment, faith often requires quiet trust.

  3. Live as new creation in grace
    The First Reading contrasts the fallen state of humanity, yet the Psalm and Paul’s letter show the saving action of God. We are invited to live in the newness of Christ’s grace, rather than in fear or hiding (as Adam did). In everyday life: in work, studies, family life, or mission, let us live boldly as people freed by Christ, bearing witness in Singapore’s multicultural, multi-religious setting.

  4. Witness hope to others
    The Psalm invites us to “sing a new song” for the Lord’s marvelous deeds. In Singapore, whether in parish life, workplace, LGBTQ-friendly environment, or as witness among friends who may not believe, our Christian hope is visible. We can ask: How am I a “song” of hope and love for others?

  5. For catechumens
    As you approach the sacraments of initiation: reflect on the mystery of grace offered you, the call to holiness, and your assent to God’s will — just like Mary. Let this Feast encourage you to deepen your prayer, let go of old habits, and embrace your new life in Christ.

Closing Prayer

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that as you preserved her from all stain of sin, so you may help us to live with purity of heart and mind in this life and rejoice with her forever in the life to come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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