It is 25th March 2023. 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 is from Luke 1:26-38.
Today’s celebration reminds us that God takes initiative to enter in human history as a person through the Blessed Virgin Mary. God’s formal announcement of God’s plan of salvation to Mary through the angel Gabriel. The incarnation of Jesus becomes a reality in the Annunciation. God expresses God’s desire to save us through God’s Only Son Jesus. God assures God’s promise and abiding presence among us through the Annunciation of the Lord. “With God, nothing will be impossible.” (Lk.1;37) It is the moment “the Word was made flesh and lived among us”. The awesome moment unfolded in the simplest way in the life of a young girl Mary. The Joyful message brought to Mary changed everything. The Annunciation is not the master plan of God rather it is the Master’s plan for the entire humanity. Yes, God fulfilled the promise.
The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” (Ps.40:8,9).
As Mary responded to God’s plan, so we stand like Mother Mary to be consistent with our Fiat. The fidelity of Mary to God’s will made our salvation possible. Mother Mary offered the unconditional yes to God’s will and that God asked Her. The unwavering faithfulness, and generosity of Mary to God’s will is what we need to inculcate in our life. St Augustine highlights: “Mary conceived Jesus in her heart before she conceived Jesus in the flesh.”
Our self-offering to God’s plan is the appropriate response to our vocation. Our obedience needs to be seen in our complete surrender to God like that of Jesus and Mary. And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk.1:38). The exemplary response of Mary has become a source of blessing to all of us. Are we truthful to our calling?
May the Lord be generous with God’s plan for us. Have a lovely day.