the conception of his incarnation
"You shall conceive and bear a Son and give Him the name Jesus." —Luke 1:31
About five billion people today do not believe that Jesus is God; they see Him as only a man. This heresy, Arianism, has been common for centuries. The fact that the virgin Mary conceived Jesus without sexual relations intimates that Jesus was not just a man but God, "Son of the Most High" (Lk 1:32), "Son of God" (Lk 1:35).
Other people do not believe Jesus is a man. They think that God only appeared to be born, crucified, and put to death. This heresy is called Docetism. The fact that Mary was conceived without sin helps us realize that Mary gave her human nature to Jesus. Otherwise, we would have to say that Mary gave her human nature to Jesus except for the fallen part of it. This opens the door to questioning if Mary gave any of her human nature to Christ, that is, whether Jesus is truly a human being. Because Mary was immaculately conceived before Jesus was immaculately conceived, it is more clear that Jesus received a human nature from Mary. Because Jesus is truly man, human nature has been transformed, we can relate to Him person-to-person, and we are saved by His sacrificial death.
Jesus is God and Man! Alleluia!
Prayer: Father, thank You for the ministry of mother Mary, who reveals the truth of Jesus, her Son.
Promise: "He likewise predestined us through Christ Jesus to be His adopted sons — such was His will and pleasure — that all might praise the glorious favor He has bestowed on us in His Beloved." —Eph 1:5-6
Praise: Praise Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary! Praise Jesus, fully God and fully Man!
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 10, 2016
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