It is 9th April 2018. We celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. The readings are from Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; the second reading is from Hebrews 10:4-10; and the Gospel from Luke 1:26-38. This is where the grand plan of God taking initiative to redeem us is announced through this beautiful celebration. God’s plan of salvation was assigned to Mary. God entrusts His plan for the humanity by asking Mary to accept the offer of bringing His Only Son into the world. Though it looks so difficult yet Mary accepted it without hesitation. For Mary, it is not merely an event but a mission. When God is with us, any mission looks impossible becomes possible by our spiritual resilience and faithfulness to stick to God’s plan. Even in our lives, God entrusts the responsibilities that are enormous and extraordinary challenging yet with faith in God we can walk the toughest walk ever for God. In the first reading offers the prophecy of the birth of a child who will be born of a virgin and the Child will be called Emmanuel (God-with-us). In the second reading, Jesus is the one who removes all our sins and makes worthy by His one single sacrifice on the cross. We are invited in the Gospel to say our own yes to God who calls to complete the mission of love and mercy on earth. It recounts Gabriel’s visit to Mary to accept God’s plan for saving the humanity by bearing Jesus in her womb as a virgin. Let us learn to be humble like our Mother Mary in all we do and say. “For with God nothing will be impossible. And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk.1:38). Mary trusted God totally and she believed that God would not put her down. May our response bring peace and blessing to us but also to those around us. May we have a day of blessing as we are assured our salvation through the Annunciation of the Lord.