Choose a topic from Part 3a:

32. The Conception of Christ

1. The whole Trinity effected the conception of ourLord's body. But in a special way the conception is attributedto the Holy Ghost. For Christ came because of God's great lovefor mankind. Scripture says (John 3:16): "God so loved theworld as to give his only-begotten son." Hence, it is rightthat the conception of our Lord should be attributed to the Spiritof Love, that is, God the Holy Ghost.

2. We rightly say that Christ was conceived of the HolyGhost. This suggests that the Holy Ghost is the active principle ofthe conceiving, and also that the One conceived is consubstantialwith its active principle.

3. However, it is not right to say that the Holy Ghost isthe father of Christ. St. Augustine (Enchir. xl) says,"Christ was born of the Holy Ghost, not as a son; he was bornof Mary as a son." In his eternal personality, Christ is theSon of God by the eternal generation of the Father. He, therefore,is eternally the Son of God; he was not made the Son of God bybecoming man under the active power of the Holy Ghost.

4. In the conceiving of Christ, the Blessed Mother had noactive part to play beyond cooperating by giving consent thatGod's willshould be accomplished in her. And Mary didcooperate in God's will and work: "Be it done to me,"she said to the angelic messenger, "according to thyword."

"We must not be behind time in doing good; for death will not be behind his time. "
St Phillip Neri

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"The one thing necessary which Jesus spoke of to Martha and Mary consists in hearing the word of God and living by it."
R. Garrigou-Lagrange, OP

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"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself. "
Thomas á Kempis

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