Mary’s conception is immaculate because she was conceived without original sin. The angel Gabriel acknowledges this when he hails Mary as “full of grace” (Luke 1:28). Scripture scholars identify several theological ideas that confirm this. In the Old Testament, the sacred, pristine Ark of the Covenant held the presence of God. The presence of God is now held within a new “arc” the womb of Mary. Genesis 3 also prophesies of a woman who would oppose the devil and whose child would crush the devil’s head. Christ is the “New Adam.” This passage sets up Mary, then, as the “New Eve.” Jesus and Mary are the beginnings of a new creation, one we all can participate in through the grace of our baptism. After all, God’s love is more “original” than our sin!
