Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Today is the Solemnity of the Annuciation of the Lord. There is a sermon written by Saint Sophronius, bishop of Jerusalem in the 7th century, (more well known in the Eastern Church) wrote a sermon praising and acknowledging in a most sublime way, the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in God’s plan of salvation for all of humanity. Time and again, Sophonius declares, “Truly, you are blessed among women.” In some way it is my hope that we spend time this day, deeply contemplating just what Mary, the Mother of our Savior, has done—and continues to do—for each and every one of us.
In the first reading Isaiah says: “… the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us!”(Is 7:14 ). These verses and the responsorial Psalm foretell how salvation will be accomplished by God through the Messiah. Mary’s response to God’s request will not only result in the birth of the Saviour of the world, but, as Sophonius says, Mary will “change Eve’s curse into a blessing; and Adam (will be) blessed because of you."
Oh! Dearest Mother of my Savior: “Truly, you are blessed among women.”
Despite some the harsh prescriptives of the law, Mary’s obedience stemmed from her deep love of God. Mary’s heart was fully open to the Lord and her entire being at God’s diposal. “Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will”, declares the Psalmist in today’s responsory (Ps 40:8a and 9a) and “behold, I come to do your will, O God” states the second reading from Hebrews (Heb 10:9)
Oh! Dearest Mother of my Savior: “Truly, you are blessed among women.”
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” (Lk 1:35) “Enclosed within your womb is God himself. He makes his abode in you and comes forth from you like a bridegroom…” says Sophonius. Let us pray that our familiarity with these Scriptures and our relatonship with Mary may not tempt us to pass over today's opportunity...today's call...to enter more deeply into the majestic mystery of this day.
Oh! Dearest Mother of my Savior: "Truly, you are blessed among women." Lend us a share of your humility, willingness, and purity. Please continue to intercede for us with your son Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, and God, our Merciful Father. Amen.
--Gail Lyman