Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, a day that marks a decisive moment in salvation history — the day the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear the Son of God. This moment isn’t merely a historical occurrence but a profound expression of God’s intimate involvement in our lives and His unwavering desire for a relationship with us. God is about to do something great!
In our first reading from Isaiah, we hear about the Lord’s promise through the prophet: “The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” Ahaz’s reluctance reminds us how often we, too, may struggle with faith and trust in God’s plans for us, especially when we face uncertainty or fear. What ends up happening at times, however, is we begin to put our trust in mere mortals rather than God and this grieves him. God’s promise is a loving rebuke of Ahaz’s lack of faith. That a virgin should give birth is a sign that Ahaz was wrong in not placing his trust in God who can do all things, and that her son would be named Emmanuel is another way of saying to Ahaz, “Though you dismissed me and did not believe I would accompany you, nevertheless I will not abandon my people, for I will be with them always.” Ahaz basically doubted God’s love, which has always been manifested to us.
Mary, on the other hand, exemplifies a model of faith and trust. She responds to the angel’s announcement with a profound willingness that has echoed through the ages: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary’s courageous acceptance serves as a powerful reminder that our 'yes' to God’s will can initiate incredible change — not only in our own lives but in the world around us.
In our second reading from Hebrews, we are reminded that true worship is not merely about ritual sacrifices but about doing God's will. When Christ entered the world, He proclaimed, “Behold, I come to do your will, O God.” This desire to do God’s will is exactly what Mary expressed at the Annunciation, and what a “breath of fresh air” for the Archangel Gabriel and all the holy angels it must have been since they had forever been repulsed by Lucifer’s “I will not serve.” The one who now takes the highest place at Jesus’s right hand side gives her full cooperation to God and the great goodness he was literally giving birth to in the world which would forever shape and direct its future, even unto eternity.
She is already modelling for Jesus’ human nature which grew in age and wisdom, how beautiful it is to seek, fulfill and love the will of God in our lives. Just as she embraced God’s will for her life, Christ embraced God’s will for His mission on earth, ultimately leading Him to the Cross.
The Gospel passage today invites us to reflect on the theme of God’s transformative action in our lives through His presence among us. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” This profound mystery reminds us that God desires to enter into our ordinary reality, into our joys and struggles, just as He entered into Mary’s life.
Mary’s response also provides a model for how we, too, can attune our hearts to God’s will. She did not fully understand the implications of her consent. Yet, her faith was greater than her fear, and her trust in God’s goodness was more profound than her worry about the unknown.
As we observe this feast, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to God’s invitations in our lives? Are we hesitant like Ahaz, fearing the call to action? Or do we strive to have the faith of Mary, who embraces the unknown with courage and love?
This solemnity calls us not just to contemplate Mary’s role as the Mother of God but to invite her into our own hearts as a model of how to respond to God's call. We are all called to be bearers of Christ in the world, to carry Him into our communities, our workplaces, and our families — just as Mary did on that blessed day in Nazareth.
As we gather at this altar today, let us offer our ‘yes’ to God, committing ourselves anew to live out His will in our lives, becoming instruments of His grace and peace. May the example of Mary embolden us to trust, to love, and to welcome the unexpected ways God may ask us to participate in His divine plan.
In closing, let us pray for the grace to be open to God’s will, to embrace our role in the unfolding story of salvation, and to always remember that God's promises are with us, just as they were with Mary.
Amen.
Add comment
Comments