Living
The Annunciation Of The Lord – Solemnity
Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38
Today’s gospel reading offers us three important messages:
- According to Luke, the virginal conception of Jesus took place by the power of the Holy Spirit, the power of God.
- Mary is blessed among women because she gave her ‘Perpetual Yes’ (FIAT) to God. Let it be done to me according to your word. God’s choose her for a special role in the plan of salvation (as mentioned in today’s first reading Isaiah 7)
- Mary’s spiritual motherhood is shared by all those who make the same faithful response she did.
Luke’s infancy narrative of Christ is special. In the nativity story of Christ, he includes the shepherds from the nearby fields, which is consistent with Luke’s interest for the poor and the marginalized in the society. The annunciation to Mary of the birth of Jesus is based on Christ’a mission and identity as the Son of God. When Mary responded she was given a confirmation : Elizabeth your cousin is pregnant!
If a woman past the childbearing age could become pregnant should there be doubt about Mary’s pregnancy?“nothing is impossible for God.” The announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus is parallel to the announcement to Zechariah of the birth of John.
In both cases, the angel Gabriel appears to the parent who is troubled by the vision and is then told by the angel not to fear. The particular focus of the announcement of the birth of Jesus is on his identity as Son of David and Son of God.
Here is the lesson for us: How open am I to God’s life within me even when God seems to ask the impossible do we still believe it is possible? Do you believe God can make you great? Do you still believe the action of the Holy Spirit to work in you?
PRAYER
See Lord, I have come to do your will. Grant me the grace to cooperate with thy will. May my faith be unshakable and let your love guide my heart and mind.
Happy Solemnity and God bless!
Fr Joseph
