Today's feast can always be a bit confusing.  Because this feast of the Immaculate Conception is about MARY's conception and teaches that from the instant she began to exist inside her mother, Anne, she was holy, filled with God's grace, and therefore without sin. The confusion comes because the Gospel reading is always about JESUS' conception -- read for one reason because there are no Scripture stories about Mary's conception -- but more importantly read because it confirms

Last year, on the first Sunday of Advent, we heard from St. Luke’s Gospel, “do not become drowsy and let the coming of the Lord catch you by surprise. Be vigilant at all times.” Next year, on the first Sunday of Advent, we will hear from St. Mark’s Gospel: “Be watchful. Be alert! You do not know when the Lord will come.” And this year, on this first Sunday of Advent, we hear from St. Matthew’s Gospel: “For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. So be prepar