Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. This Solemnity calls to mind that very important event that took place in the small town of Nazareth. The Angel Gabriel appeared to a young lady, Mary, and announced to her that she was the one chosen by God from eternity to bear in her virginal womb the Incarnate Son of God. When she responded, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word”, that very moment the great Mystery of the Incarnation was set in motion. This feast is called the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, for, although Mary is the central figure in this event, it is not really about her. It is basically about the Lord Jesus since it is the first moment of His Incarnation: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14). It is God becoming a human being. He emptied Himself, from being the Creator to becoming a mere creature. He became like us in all things, except sin, so that He can be with sinful humanity in a real and concrete way.
Saint Leo the Great describes this in precise words: “He took the nature of a servant without the stain of sin, enlarging our humanity without diminishing His divinity. He emptied Himself; though invisible, He made Himself visible; though Creator and Lord of all things, He chose to be one of us mortal men. Yet this was the condescension of compassion, not the loss of omnipotence. So, He who like God had created man, became like a servant, man himself.” (Office of Readings for the Solemnity of the Annunciation).
The feast is the memorial of the great Yes to the Lord Mary said to the Angel. Mary’s yes set into effect the grand economy of God’s salvation. The feast teaches us that saying ‘yes’ to God always unleashes immeasurable goodness to all. Mary was neither the first one who had said yes to God against all odds nor the last.
There are many ordinary, flawed, messed up, scared, and insecure people in the Bible who said yes to God not knowing what it would mean for their lives.
Abraham said YES when God asked him to sacrifice his only son.
Joseph said YES when God asked him to forgive his brothers who beat and sold him into slavery.
Moses said YES when God told him to go to Pharaoh and ask him to let the Israelites go.
Rahab said yes when asked to hide the Israelite spies and risk her own life and the lives of her family.
David said YES when God asked him to fight the giant Goliath with only a slingshot and a few stones.
Esther said YES when Mordecai told her to go to the king to save her people.
Daniel said YES when God told him not to bow down and worship other idols.
The disciples said YES when Jesus asked them to leave everything behind and follow him.
Paul said YES when God asked him to deliver the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles.
Mary said YES when the angel told her she would carry God’s son, Jesus.
Today we are called upon to reflect upon the instance of the announcement of the good tidings of the Incarnation by angel Gabriel to Mary. The feast of the Annunciation marks the fulfilment of God’s promise to send the Messiah to save humanity. On this day Mary opened her heart to God and said ‘yes’ to the divine offer of salvation. Mary said yes to God who intervened in her life. Do we say ‘yes’ to God who intervenes in our day-to-day life? Do I allow God to enter into my personal life, into my personal space? Can I say ‘yes’ to God even when I do not understand everything about his demands? Abraham left his home and his village without knowing the destination and the way. He trusted in the one who called him. Moses and the people of Israel did not have the route map when they left Egypt. But they believed that God who walked with them knew it all. Joseph did not know where he would end up when he was thrown into the well and later sold by his brothers. Yet he believed that God was with him. Am I willing to say ‘yes’ to the Lord?
We too want to say yes to God! But saying yes to what God asks may include saying no to what you want and to what others think is best…how do you say yes when it’s hard to do? This is when things get complicated! It is so easy to go along with God’s plan when it suits your needs, but what about when God’s “asking” requires us to risk too much, leave our comfort zones, or walk by blind faith? Saying yes to God is a bold declaration.
It may be unpopular.
It may be uncomfortable.
But saying ‘yes’ to God is also a rewarding and life-changing, moment! Don’t forget that saying yes is just the beginning of the story. God provided for, protected, and fulfilled His promises to each person who stepped out in faith and boldly followed God’s directions. Mary Our Mother set a beautiful and ideal example for all her children to emulate. Let us take courage and inspiration from her journey of faith.
Wish you a Happy Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord.
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