Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
In today’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah offers a messianic message, “The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us!” We have come to know that it was Mary, a young girl of no status, from the village of Nazareth. She was the one who was called from an insignificant place, chosen to be the mother of God.
As we continue the story in today’s gospel, Mary meets the messenger Gabriel. Mary, surprised at the notion of conceiving and bearing the Son of God, responds in faith with the words, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” When we open our hearts to listen to God’s call for us, do we respond with such faith?
Today’s readings remind us that God has something in mind for us to do; like Mary we are to bear the good news to others. But we are not alone! We too, have been given gift of the Holy Spirit to help us. Let us pray that we can be more open, more generous, more humble so that we can become better disciples of Christ. Let us respond to God’s call with the words from today’s psalmist, “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will!”
-Jessica Gabrielli