Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. It is exactly nine months before Christmas. Let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas this year! In the first reading, we see the prophesy from Isaiah: “The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us!’ ”
The readings today all point toward Mary’s fiat, which we see in Luke 1, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Perhaps our Responsorial Psalm for today, taken from Psalm 40, sums it up best. “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.”
I love how Mary refers to herself: the handmaid of the Lord. I think this is the perfect example of Jesus' message that the one who humbles himself shall be exalted. A handmaid is simply a humble servant. Mary fulfilled that role perfectly, caring for the Son of God throughout His life. Today and every day, let us echo the sentiment of Mary and the Psalmist. I am your servant, Lord; I come to do your will.
Father, we thank you for the example of Mary, always saying yes to Your will. May we imitate her today and always. Amen.
Many people are confused about Mary’s role in the plan of salvation, the Church and the lives of Christians. A Minute in the Church helps to clear up those misconceptions! Get copies today at www.GusLloyd.com.
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