The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is celebrated on March 25.
The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord celebrates the actual event of the Angel Gabriel visiting the Virgin Mary. He told her she would bear a son and name him Jesus. On this feast day we reflect on the humility of Mary who said yes to being the Mother of God. Just as Mary pondered what the angel told her, we too should ponder the mysteries of our faith.
The Incarnation (God becoming man) is a mystery of great importance. How wonderful that God loves us so much that he sent us his son, Jesus! Through Mary he became completely human giving us the gift of salvation. Unlike Eve who disobeyed God, Mary said yes to God’s plan for her. She trusted God, and as the mother of Jesus loved Him in a way no one else can. The love Jesus had for his mother is also something to be pondered. It is a love like no other.
Gospel Lk 1:26-38
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, full of grace! 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.
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word.
Quote of Mary, Mother of God
March is the Month of St. Joseph
