THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD (SOLEMNITY)

The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.

Isn’t it astounding to think that eight centuries before the angel made the annunciation to Mary, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a virgin bearing a child named “Emmanuel” (Isaiah 7:14)? And that’s not the only time that God spoke his promises of salvation through one of his prophets. By some estimates, the Old Testament contains upwards of three hundred prophecies that have been fulfilled in Christ!

But God’s promises were not always fulfilled in exactly the way the Jewish people had expected. For example, Jesus did not become the powerful earthly ruler many were looking for. Other messianic prophecies did come to pass: Jesus gave sight to the blind, restored hearing to the deaf, healed lepers, and proclaimed the good news to the poor (Matthew 11:5; Isaiah 61:1).

Sometimes we see God’s promises fulfilled in surprising and unexpected ways. For example, a job relocation leads us to a newfound ministry, fulfilling God’s promise that we will bear fruit for his kingdom. Or an unexpected diagnosis leads us to sense God’s presence in a powerful way and experience his promise to be with us always. Or we might receive the grace that God has promised so that we can love and care for someone we once found difficult to love.

We also see God fulfilling his promises in ways we’ve come to expect, like the forgiveness we receive each time we go to Confession. Or spiritual nourishment when we receive the Eucharist. Or peace when we turn to the Lord in prayer.

Just as he promised salvation to Israel eight centuries before Christ, so has God given us promises we can rely on. So be confident that God will do what he says—even if the way he does it is surprising! May we all have the eyes to see the ways in which his promises have been—and will be—fulfilled in our lives.

“Lord, as I await the fulfillment of all your promises, I will continue to pray with Mary, ‘May it be done to me according to your word’ (Luke 1:38).”

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