25th March, 2019
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

The story of the Annunciation unfolded when Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). The depiction of this encounter is beautifully captured in the Catholic prayer Angelus where Mary in all her humility and deep trust in God accepts the mission laid out for her. She thus plays an important role in the incarnation of Lord Jesus.

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord also known as the ‘Feast of the Incarnation’ is observed worldwide on 25th March. This date is indicative of the nine months before the birth of Jesus on Christmas day. It marks the actual incarnation of the Son of God taking human form in a mother’s womb. The date also coincides with the observance of Good Friday, when Holy Week occurs in the month of March.

The Annunciation is particularly significant because it brings together the Catholic beliefs that are intrinsic to our faith. The Incarnation is a pivotal moment in the history of salvation. God’s great mercy was revealed when He sent His Son to redeem the world. The Word became flesh to dwell amongst us. Indeed, the coming of our promised Savior heralded the beginning of a new life.

While it was part of God’s divine plan that the Second Person of the Trinity become human, He chose to redeem us in a way that included human involvement through a humble young woman’s consent. Mother Mary is highly honoured because of her unique role in God’s plan. She is united with her son in carrying out the will of God. She showed us how an ordinary human being can reflect God in the ordinary circumstances of life. We look up to her as the link between heaven and earth. The marvel of Mary’s life can be reflected upon in the recitation of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.

Our Heavenly Father calls each one of us in our daily lives to be part of His unique plan. When faced with the uncertainties of life; prayer and meditation on God’s Word can help us see the light.  Let the ‘Annunciation’ be a gentle reminder to say ‘yes’ to the Will of God as we journey along in our pilgrimage of faith.

Nancy Fernandes