THE WORD BECAME FLESH

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Isa7:10-14

Ps 40

Heb 10:4-11

Luke 1: 26-38

Let it be to me…

Dear friends in Christ, today’s solemnity celebrates that event in which at the appearance of the angel Gabriel, the Blessed Virgin, full of grace, accepted the will of God, to become the mother of the Saviour of the world. One of the most difficult tasks to commit oneself to in life, is total obedience to the will of God. A life of obedience involves humility and great sacrifice; it requires confidence in God and love for ones’ call in life.

Today’s First reading (Isaiah 7:10-14) is about King Ahaz who was afraid of what might become of him and his household. God sent the Prophet to assure him of divine help, but he will not trust. God then asked him to demand a sign which he also turned down, before the prophet gave the sign of a virgin with child to be named Immanuel — ‘God with us.’ Sometimes, we are also too scared, to trust in God for help like Ahaz.

The second reading (Hebrews 10:4-11) presents Jesus as the perfect example where Ahaz failed— of one who came to do the will of God. “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold I have come to do your will O God’…” This will of God requires sacrifice and personal inconveniences.

The Gospel (Luke 1:26-38) presents to us the story behind today’s feast. The angel had appeared to Mary to inform her, of the will of God, to have her become the Mother of the Saviour of the world. “Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive and bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus…” Mary asked the Angel, how this would come about as a virgin. The angel explained to her, that this would come by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, and then told her of Elizabeth’s pregnancy in old age. Unlike Ahaz, Mary made an act of total submission to the will of God, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Mary is the model of how every Christian should submit to God and to the teachings of the Church. This faithful response, will turn her life upside down, demanding great sacrifices at every step. This young woman however was ready to take on the challenge of a lifetime. How about you? How obedient are you to God, to the teachings of the Church?

Let us pray: Lord, help me to take your Mother as my model. Give me the courage to be firm in my commitment to the will of God. Amen.

+Remain blessed