The Annunciation

The Angel Gabriel.. said “Greetings, favored one!  The LORD is with You.. Do not be afraid, Mary, for You have found favor with GOD…You will conceive in Your womb and bear a SON, and …name HIM JESUS.  HE will be great, and will be called the SON of the Most High, and the LORD GOD will give to HIM the throne of HIS ancestor David. HE will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of HIS kingdom there will be no end.  Mary said to the Angel “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”…The HOLY SPIRIT will come upon you…the power of the Most High will overshadow You; therefore the CHILD to be born will be holy; HE will be called the SON of GOD.  ..Your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son…. For nothing will be impossible with GOD (Luke 1:26-37).

Her one question answered, Mary said “..Here am I, the servant of the LORD; let it be with me, according to your word (Luke 1:38). Despite Her initial perplexity, maybe even the thought about the custom of stoning to death for unwed pregnancies in her time, or Joseph’s possible reaction, Mary said yes.

One cannot view the annunciation event apart from the “yes” of Mary.  Her yes mean for us, the same freedom to bow to the holy will of GOD.  Faith in the truth of the teachings and traditions handed down through the prophets, belief in miracles, the openness to receive graces from GOD even with our frailties, the readiness to go “in haste (Luke 1:39)” to those in need of our help, courage to carry one’s cross, and the bigness of heart to welcome and embrace all those sent to share our lives are all possible because Mother Mary said yes.  Her yes is our door to avail of all blessings from GOD.

The call to Mary, is a call for all of us.  GOD calls everyone to a life shared with HIM.  No one is exempted, HIS grace is inclusive and open to all.

Saying our “yes” to the challenge, let us, with Mother Mary sing “My soul magnifies the LORD, and my spirit rejoices in GOD my SAVIOR, for HE has looked with favor on the lowliness of HIS servant.  Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty ONE has done great things for me, and holy is HIS name.  HIS mercy is for those who fear HIM from generation to generation.  HE has shown strength with HIS arm; HE has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.  HE has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly,  HE has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty….

Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we too say, “Yes LORD!”.