Friday of the Third Week
Annunciation of the Lord
It may seem a bit strange to be “preparing for Christmas” during Lent. Ash Wednesday was 25 days ago. Easter is only 23 days away. The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is celebrated exactly nine months before Christmas, or just three months after last Christmas, if you are looking back.
This, however, in no way compares from the grand Mystery of the Incarnation and Redemption wrought in the person of Jesus, through the human intervention of Mary. If I am constantly awestruck by the wonder of God showing up in human form in Jesus, I am also baffled by God's humility in choosing Mary as the vessel by which to proclaim the grace offered to humankind, more precisely, to each human person.
It strikes me that in the Annunciation of the Lord, humility equates with grace and true greatness. The angel says to Mary, “HAIL, FULL OF GRACE! THE LORD IS WITH YOU.” In the letter to the Hebrews, we hear the words, “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me.” These reinforce Mary’s faith in that she exhibits such simplicity and love in receiving the angel Gabriel’s mystifying message.
Incarnation and Redemption, Christmas and Easter, were separated by Jesus’ lifetime on earth. Yet, each event represents a manifestation of God's infinite love for humankind, and the potential for human love that this grace affords to the human person. Let us rejoice together in the gift of the Annunciation of the Lord.
Prayer
Gracious God, we give thanks for Your wisdom in becoming one with us in Jesus, through Mary. We pray for Your Holy Spirit to guide us during the holy season of Lent so that we may know more profoundly the grace the Annunciation. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Marcel Rainville, S.S.E. ’67
First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Psalm 40:7-11
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:4-10
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
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