Annunciation of the Lord

Good Afternoon and Happy Friday!! Today we celebrate the news given to Mary that she would conceive a child, through a miraculous conception, a child who would be the Saviour of the world. It is also the second part of the Holy Trinity, where Jesus is the incarnation of God. This also fulfills the Old Testament prophecy, "Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel" (Is 7:14, NAB).  

Mary was speechless when the angel Gabriel told this to her. This humble young girl wondered why God would choose her. Once the news sank in, Mary made the conscious choice to serve her God, to carry this blessed Child. She proclaimed "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word." (Lk 1:38, NAB) We can interpret her statement "according to Your word" as the will of God. Remember, "thy WILL be done". Not only is this to be done to her, but it will be what God orders. And her free will to accept this. 

Mary was a homemaker. She cooked, cleaned, cared for the animals. And Joseph, her "betrothed", was a carpenter. He went to work every day to provide for his family.

Yet, he was also chosen, however indirectly. When he had trouble believing how Mary could be pregnant if she were still a virgin, an angel came down and spoke to him as well, "Behold, the virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and they shall name Him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us'." (Mt 1:23, NAB).

How many of us would do what God calls us to do without question? Actually, we do it daily. Think of it. Each day you get up you chose to follow Jesus, to do what He expects from us. Every prayer uttered, every mention of His name.. This is Him guiding you through your every day life, just like Mary. 

Let us always remember what Mary did. May we mimic her, serving our Lord with humility and grace just as Mary did. Be Blessed, dear reader. And as always.... be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection for today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQycZRRP1Lk

Some more information on the annunciation: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/annunciation-of-the-lord