March 25th - the solemnity of the Annunciation. On this date, 9 months prior to the great Christmas feast the Church gives us the day when we celebrate the announcement of the angel Gabriel. Mary is but a mere child, perhaps as young as 14, many say 16 at the oldest. An angel comes to her and assures her that she is full of grace; has found favor; perhaps the literal English interpretation should be Hail Mary; you have been given a particular grace from God the Father to bring forth God the Son. And you shall name Him Jesus!
In many ways you could say that this solemnity is the story that sets into motion the whole plan for our salvation. For the announcement of the angel yields to the story of the birth of Jesus which yields to His ministry which yields to His crucufixion, death and yes, His Resurrection.
Every time we are given the opportunity to celebrate such a jouful solemnity, when we can ponder and reflect on the mystery that is this great announcement, when we can read the very account in the 1st chapter of Luke's Gospel I celebrate the "full gospel-ness" of Holy Mother Church.
Yes, the Catholic Church, which is the fullness of truth, reflects upon and prays with this beautiful Scriptural account of the Annunciation and exhorts Her faithful to make this message meaningful in our everyday lives.
We can continue to learn much from reflecting on this mystery and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation history. Devotion to Mary is, and must always be, true worship of Her Son. For Her Son is more than Her Son, He is Her Redeemer; just as He is for you and me.
On this very day, as taught us by the Church, the very Word of God the Father, became man, so He may be born of the Virgin Mary and dwell among us and come to die for us so that we may have eternal life.
Thanks be to God!
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