Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation, which normally falls on March 25, nine months before the Nativity of the Lord. The change in date this year is because it would that date fell on the Monday of Holy Week earlier on, and the commemorations of both the Holy Week and the Easter Octave take priority over all other Solemnities and Feasts, therefore, this celebration of the Annunciation of the Lord is postponed this year to this day, the day after the Second Sunday of Easter, the Octave Day of Easter.
Nonetheless, despite this change of dates, it does not diminish the importance of the event that we commemorate. The feast recalls the day when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and revealed God’s divine plan that she become the Mother of the Son of God, and she accepted. At that moment, the “Word became Flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Thus, the celebration of the Annunciation of the Lord first recalls with gratitude that fiat, “let it be done,” from Mary that brought God to man, heaven to earth, at Christmas.
Saint Bernard commenting on this God’s plan says “God, the author of all, knows how to write a good story. The Bible communicates a single message of redemption, what some have called an enormous love letter from God to his beloved people. Yet throughout the rich variety of poems, prayers, narrative, and song, there is a unifying theme. Each word, each verse, and each book of the Bible hangs together to execute this theme—as we might expect from God, who identifies so closely as the “Word.” Today’s solemnity, the Annunciation of the Lord, celebrates one of the most profound moments in Scripture’s rich tapestry and illustrates the integrity of the revealed Word in remarkable ways. (Homily by Saint Bernard, Office of the Reading, December 20,)
By her acceptance of the special role entrusted to her by God through the Archangel Gabriel, Mary had made possible what seemed to be impossible, that God Himself would come in our form and nature, showing to us the perfection of His love manifested in all of His glory and yet made approachable to us.
Today, we reflect on Mary’s trust in the Lord wholeheartedly. Her wonder and apprehensive on the breadth and scope of the mission and the responsibilities entrusted to her. Her openness to God’s will with the words, ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done unto me according to Your will.’
May today’s celebration bring us great joy and peace. May we rejoice and celebrate this season and time of Easter with openness to God’s will for us.
Have a blessed Week
