THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD (SOLEMNITY)

Mary said, . . . “May it be done to me according to your word.” 

Easter Sunday will soon be here, which means that we’ve been trying to keep our Lenten resolutions for almost six weeks now. At this point in our Lenten walk, we might be feeling a bit weary or even discouraged. If so, today’s readings for the feast of the Annunciation can give us a much-needed shot in the arm.

Let’s start with the first reading. The prophet Isaiah draws our attention to the promise of a virgin who will bear a son. His name will be “Emmanuel”—“God is with us” (Isaiah 7:14; 8:10). God is indeed with us, and we can trust him to give us whatever we need in order to do what he is asking of us. And if we fail, we can turn to him at any moment and ask for his forgiveness—because the God who is always with us is a God of love and mercy.

Next is the response from Psalm 40: “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” With the psalmist, we too can cry out, “Lord, despite my human frailty and weakness, I want to do your will today!” His grace will meet us where we are and lift us up in spirit, helping us to recommit ourselves to our Lenten resolutions.

Finally, we come to Luke’s description of the Annunciation. Mary reacts to the angel’s startling news by asking, “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34). Once she hears Gabriel’s explanation, Mary responds with an extraordinary act of faith. We too may wonder how God will accomplish what he has promised; we may even question him, as Mary did. But then we need to trust him by making her words our own: “May it be done to me according to your word” (1:38).

Today, on this special feast, let’s ask Mary to intercede for us so that we may remain faithful to our commitments. Although she was without original sin, she certainly knew what it was like to be human, to feel weary, and to be pushed and pulled by temptations. She is our devoted and faithful mother, and she will surely carry our prayers to her son, Jesus.

“Mary, pray for me to complete my Lenten journey with renewed zeal.”

Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Psalm 40:7-11
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38

WORD AMONG US