Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Intention: For the spread of peace and justice throughout the world, especially where people’s hearts have become hardened to God’s presence.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 1:28-38
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
From the Meditation for the Annunciation | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Let us give thanks with the whole Church for the honor that the Most Blessed Virgin received on this day, to become the Mother of God. This is the greatest honor any mere creature can ever receive. Saint Ambrose declares that it was the greatness and the excellence of Mary’s faith that procured this favor for her. In this role she has become an object of veneration for the angels themselves, who, although much higher by nature, nevertheless, are far beneath her in view of the dignity she received on this day. Still, this dignity only leads her to humble herself, for when the angel declares to her that she is the Mother of God and honors her as such, this admirable virgin has no reply except that she is the servant of the Lord.1 Saint Ambrose cannot help marveling at such a response in the mouth of this holy virgin at the very moment when she is chosen to be the Mother of God. Let us profit today from such a great example. May all the graces that God gives us, no matter how remarkable they might be, incline us also to humble ourselves below everyone else.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son came to us that we might have life and have it to the full. Sometimes we mistake the illusions of this world for the truth of your power and redemption. Teach us what is permanent and what changes, what is merely of this world and what is of your eternal Kingdom. Awaken us to the awareness that life is eternally reborn in you. Guide us to see all things through the eyes of faith, so that we will live each day seeking to serve you through our humility, patience, and compassion. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.