# The Immaculate Conception: Second Privilege of Mary
*2015-04-25*

> Bill Young reflects on the second privilege of the 12 Stars—Mary’s Immaculate Conception—linking it to Genesis 3:15 and the dawn of redemption.

## Opening Prayer and Creed

Good morning. This is Bill Young, welcome to the Prayer and Lunch podcast. Let us begin in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. As it was in the beginning, now and forever, world without end. Amen.

The Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, and on the third day rose again. He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

## Genesis 3:15 and the Promise of Redemption

Genesis 3:15 (NRSVCE) says, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” In the garden, God announced the future Redeemer who, together with the Mother, would crush the head of the serpent.

## The Second Privilege: Immaculate Conception

Today we contemplate the second privilege of the 12 Stars: the Immaculate Conception of Mary. In the first light of redemption, after the promise made in Eden, God prepared a pure vessel—Mary—free from original sin, to bear the Incarnate Word. Her immaculate conception allows the mercy of the Most High to overflow to humanity, opening the way for reconciliation with God.

## Prayer to Our Blessed Mother

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

## Closing Blessing

May the Most Holy Trinity be praised for the grace granted to the Virgin Mary. God bless you all.

*Mary’s Immaculate Conception is the first true triumph over sin, preparing the way for Christ’s redemption.*