The Liturgical Calendar: The Church Remembers

Today the church remembers The Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Not only one of the most important, but also one of the most touching events described in the gospels is Luke’s account of the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary and of Mary’s response. The angel’s salutation, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” was certainly startling. The angel’s announcement must have been frightening and deeply perplexing. “You will conceive and bear a son… He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High…and will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” It is not difficult to imagine trembling in her voice when Mary asked, “How can this be?”

When the angel had finished his explanation, Mary freely agreed to submit to God’s will in the matter, saying, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” So we, who are the church in this age, are called upon to respond obediently and confidently to God’s will for us. One is reminded of Isaiah’s response when he was called upon to do the Lord’s work in his generation, “Here am I, send me.” It is also interesting and comforting to note that neither Mary nor Isaiah was forced into submission, but rather, “in the fullness of time” each responded willingly, gracefully, and positively, having little idea of what lay ahead.

When you call us to do great things, O Lord, give us strength and courage to say, “Yes.” Amen.

Read the Wikipedia article here.

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