Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Today we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. In her “yes” to God, Mary illustrates how we are invited to respond to God’s call for our lives. Doing God’s will does not mean there will be a lack of worry, suffering or doubt, but we are promised that if we say “yes”, God will dwell within us to accompany us in all that we do.
Today’s gospel reading is the familiar story of the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. It is hard to imagine the shock and fear that Mary must have experienced when greeted by this messenger. Even more amazing is the news that this angel brings to Mary to inform her that she has been chosen to bear the Son of the Most High. Although the angel makes this pronouncement, the final word still remains with Mary. In the most loving way, God allows Mary to choose to take part in the plan of salvation. When Mary accepts to be the “handmaid of the Lord”, she uses her free will to allow God’s will to come to happen in her life. Her “yes” to the angel allows Mary to receive the Holy Spirit. Mary literally experiences the fullness of God’s presence within her. Just as Ahaz is promised in the first reading, Mary receives the Emmanuel- “God with us.”
It is easy to see this story as a singular event, but everyday each of us is invited to allow the Holy Spirit to overshadow us and to have Christ live within us. Most of us will never experience such a miraculous or mystical experience of God such as Mary in our lives. But in our daily routine God speaks to us and asks us to be a part of the divine plan for the world.
When I reflect on Mary and her openness and obedience, I recognize that these are attributes that must be nurtured. If we desire to hear God’s call and respond willingly, it is important that we find ways to become aware of God’s presence in and around us. Seeking God through prayer, scripture, sacraments, fellow disciples, and the created world allows us a better opportunity to recognize God’s voice. In the little details of the day, God calls us to think, act and speak in a certain way. As disciples of Christ, we know how we are called to live through the imitation of Jesus and how He lived.
Just like Mary, God gives us the freedom to say yes or no. It seems that the first step towards doing the will of God is the openness and willingness to listen and consider the call. Even though we may initially choose to do God’s will, many times we falter. If we freely say “yes” to God, then we know that God will be with us through the failures, frustrations, challenges and even the doubts that we experience on our journey. I believe that our desire to do God’s will opens the door and allows God’s grace to overshadow our lives. If we have faith in God’s presence in our lives, then we can believe in the possibility of great things- “for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Loving God, Mary’s “yes” allowed Jesus to be conceived within her womb. Send down Your Spirit upon us, so we can also experience Your presence within. May our “yes” to Your will allow Your grace to go forth from us and bring Your love and mercy to the world. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN.
Marylynn Herchline