What is the meaning of the Immaculate Conception? The dogma of the Immaculate Conception means that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was free from all bondage of evil and sin, or spiritual handicap (Original Sin) from the very first moment of her conception.In other words, the teaching states that Mary was redeemed from the first moment of her existence. She was united with God in the most intimate of ways. Her redemption took place before the Incarnation, she was redeemed in virtue of Christ's foreseen merits. Mary was 'gifted' because she was the particular favoured one of God. However, her gift is foreshadowing what one day will happen to us. Richard O'Brien says, “Mary was not exempted from the 'consequences' of our sinful condition: sickness, suffering and even death.” She is truly redeemed, but in an exceptional and unique manner. This is the bottom line. How are we going to respond to a passionate God who saves? How indeed?
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