Dear Gabriel,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, I know you’re busy.
Hey, I just wanted to reach out ask you for a little help in understanding your BIG DAY today – something we call the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.
I recall how you were also the angel who helped that famous Old Testament wise man, Daniel, after whom I was named by my parents. I hope you can help me, too.
Here is my dilemma.
Over the past week – 8 days to be exact – we have been focused on the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, who was probably 30 or 33 years old at the time he wore his crown of thorns, died on a cross and was raised from the dead.
Here we are on the Monday after Divine Mercy Sunday reading about your BIG DAY when you appeared before Mary and gave her the good news that she was – bam! – pregnant with the child Jesus.
How in the world are we supposed to wrap our heads around this moment in history while we are supposed to be celebrating Easter for another 6 weeks or so?
Thanks for any help you can offer,
Dan
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My dearest Daniel,
Thank you for reaching out to me today. I don’t get very many requests these days, given how many people on Earth think they have everything figured out.
Your question about this Solemnity of our Lord’s calendar is not so difficult to understand – certainly easier to explain than the “he-goat” for Daniel (the other Daniel) or the way I had to strike Zechariah speechless when he questioned the way God worked to bring about John the Baptist.
Although it might seem odd to be meditating on the future birth of a man who just completed his Passion, keep in mind that in most years, this day is celebrated exactly 9 months before Christmas Day. That would be March 25 – usually.
But this year, due to the way the Easter season fell into place, March 25 was Palm Sunday. You think you’re having trouble today … try packing in the Annunciation with the image of a grown man riding a donkey. And, obviously, we couldn’t use the next Sunday …
So that is why, my friend.
Hope that helped. Call me any time.
Gabe
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Dear Gabriel,
Thank you for your reply. I figured it had something to do with the Liturgical calendar and the way we sometimes move holidays around. And I suppose Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week “trumps” the Annunciation.
Seems we are always trying to enforce some chronological order to our days of worship. But we must remember that the Bible, itself, is not put together in order – what with three different creation stories and the way the Psalms contain many other stories of our history.
Still, I do this thing on Mondays where I read the daily readings and then try to write a little reflection. I always try to draw in as many people from different walks of faith as I can.
How, pray tell, can we tie the Annunciation into this Easter season?
(And please don’t get angry and strike me speechless … my wife would hate if I stopped talking, I think).
I look forward to your reply,
(The other) Daniel
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Dear Dan,
I understand. It can be daunting. You want to continue to embrace the joy of the Resurrection but you don’t want to overlook the deeply powerful moment that Mary learns of her role in salvation history.
But here’s the thing.
When I visited Mary that night, I was asking her to accept Jesus into her womb … just like you are asked to accept Jesus into your heart every day … and into your own belly when you receive Holy Communion.
God’s plan for Mary was to keep Jesus in her heart – first for 9 months, then for 30-plus years and finally … forever. By the same token, God’s plan for you is to do the same … keep Jesus in your heart forever.
This is a pretty powerful message for everyone, but especially for the thousands of men, women and children who were baptized or confirmed into the Church last weekend. They must feel just a little bit like Mary … suddenly filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and ready to accept our Lord into their hearts, minds and souls.
I hope that helps you with your meditation on Scripture today.
Yours truly … Gabe.
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Dear Gabriel,
I knew you could help.
I pray today that we all feel a little bit like Mary did that night you visited her so long ago.
A little troubled, a little unsure, a little fearful of how our journey will change once we accept Jesus into our hearts.
I also pray that we can follow her example of love and perseverance as we will face many of the same heartaches she experienced once she gave you her historic YES to participating in the life of Jesus.
Thanks again for your help. Out of appreciation, can I send you a box of Easter chocolates?
Dan
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Dear Dan,
Can you send me a jar of peanut butter, too?
Just kidding. No need for payment …
Call me anytime.
Gabe
