Feast of the Annunciation

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Today is the Feast of the Annunciation. Today is the day that Mary finds out that she is the Mother of our Salvation. Today, the Holy Spirit entered Mary and impregnates her with the seed that becomes the Savior for our sins. Today heaven is brought down to earth and all of mankind has received the most glorious gift, “the Word made Flesh.” The Angel Gabriel came to Mary and said, “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.” (Luke 1:35). Today’s Gospel (Luke 1:26-38) tells the story of the Annunciation of Mary. This is when Mary finds out that the Lord has chosen her to be the Mother of the Christ Child. When the Angel Gabriel approaches Mary with the news, Mary doesn’t immediately jump for joy. Her first response is “Why me” followed by a quick, “You gotta be kidding!” Mary is then comforted by the Angel. He tells her not to fear because “she has found favor with God.” Mary then responds, “May it be done to me according to your will.” Mary accepts what God has asked her to do. How many times have we been asked by God to do something? How many times have we been asked to stand up for our brothers and sisters and our response has been “Why me Lord, I am just a ordinary person” or probably more appropriately, “You want me to do what!” Mary was the purified vessel that carried the Lord Jesus Christ; it was she who brought the Word Flesh into this human world. It was she who allowed our humanity to become complete. We are all asked to bring Jesus into this World through our actions. We are each given the Grace of God to carry out his mission on earth. The Holy Spirit enters our life at Baptism and the Holy Spirit grows in us as we nurture this Grace. The Holy Spirit lights our soul so that we can be a beacon of the Word. In the light, we can easily see our way; when we share the light with others, we provide guidance for others to see the way. If do not allow the light to shine, in darkness we all stumble. We can not see the way. God’s grace is the light that guides the way. “The Just One has descended like dew from above; the earth has opened and the Savior has sprung up.” (Isaiah 45:8). During this time of year, it is easy to see the new beginnings, the preparation for Easter is here. Spring is here and new life is all around. The Holy Spirit will overshadow us and through us the resurrection can be realized. When we pray the “Hail Mary,” we proclaim that God has become Flesh through the maternity of Mary. We also ask Mary to intercede in our prayers, to be with us as God was with her when she made the decision to be the most Blessed Mother. We are asked to burden a cross, to carry that cross for our own salavation as well as the salvation of others. You are asked to bring the Lord Jesus Christ into this world. To bring Heaven to Earth. A Simple Prayer “Lord, may I proclaim you in all I do today! May I bring you to others, with the peace and strength of your mother Mary!” Yours in Christ Michael Marcon