Liturgy Lesson for the First Sunday after Easter: The Annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary

March 29, 2008

St Luke 1:26-38 tells us God sent Gabriel to St. Mary, betrothed to St. saying,”Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” She was troubled - didn’t know the angel or what his greeting meant. He continued. “Do not be afraid, Mary…you have found favor with God… you will conceive… a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great… the Son of the Highest; and … God will give Him the throne of His father David…He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Mary had no idea why God chose her to be messiah’s mother! Astonished, she said: “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” Calming her, he said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you… the power of the Highest will overshadow you…that Holy One … will be called the Son of God. Now … Elizabeth…has also conceived … in her old age… this is …the sixth month for her who was… barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Mary may not have grasped the message or how God would reconcile her pregnancy and virginity among her people, but, trusting Him, she said: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” She submitted to God’s purpose, even though it might mean disgrace or loss! Interestingly, from ancient times, this feast was the nesting place for Christmas - set nine months before. Like the feast, our faith is nested in too - because, like Mary, our mission for God begins with our choice to ignore our surroundings and circumstances-and trust Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to work the Father’s purpose in our lives!

Posted by Father Chip | Filed Under Liturgy Lessons