This Solemnity calls us to commemorate the announcement of the Incarnation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord (March 25, 2022): IS 7:10-14,8:10; PS 40:7-8,8-9,10,11; HEB 10:4-10; LK 1:26-38
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Only the Son of God who was also by the power of the Holy Spirit the Son of Mary saves us.
Today we joyfully celebrate the Annunciation. It was the announcement the angel Gabriel made to the Blessed Virgin Mary that day in the town of Nazareth in Galilee over two thousand years ago. Almighty God sent His messenger to let her know what the world would come to know in time -- that His Son was coming to redeem His people. And God was calling Mary to be the mother of this long awaited Messiah. Whatever natural fear she experienced fell away through her faith in God. She had loved and served Him her throughout her short life. And, although she did not know it, she had been singled out by His grace from her own conception to be ready to accept the Almighty’s plan for her and for the entire world. By her free will, Mary put His will first in that moment and always. She said “Yes!” and generously gave herself to do everything He asked. Giving up her own desires let the Son of God come among us -- as both God and Man through His Incarnation. And, in time, He, too, would offer Himself in obedience to His Father for the sake of all people.
The reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews reminds us of the importance of sacrifice. However, it also makes clear that only the sacrifice of Jesus redeems us. While the Jewish people and, indeed, many other nations, had a long tradition of making sacrifices to seek help, give thanks, and worship God, none could atone for sin or conquer death. Only the life, death, and Resurrection of Christ could do that. “‘Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, You neither desired not delighted in.’ These are offered according to the law. Then He says, ‘Behold, I come to do your will.’ He takes away the first to establish the second. By this will, we have been consecrated through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:8-10). Only the Son of God who was also by the power of the Holy Spirit the Son of Mary saves us. If, only we, like Mary, say “Yes!” to Him.
Suggested missionary action: As we venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary let us commit ourselves to honoring the Annunciation of the Incarnation of our Lord on a regular basis. We can say the beautiful Angelus prayer each day at noon. It is available in many prayer books and online. It begins: “The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Spirit…”
