Homily (Reflection) for the
Annunciation of the Lord (Solemnity) (25th March, 2020) on the
Gospel and the Solemnity
Is 7:10-14.8:10;
Ps 39:7-11 (R.vv.8.9);
Heb 10:4-10;
Lk 1:26-38.
We celebrate “Mary’s acceptance of the role that God
has chosen for her in his plan of redemption[1].”
It is the celebration of the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Virgin Mary
that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God, marking
his Incarnation. This took place “in the sixth month” of Elizabeth's pregnancy,
cf. Lk 1:36. In England, this came
to be known as Lady Day. It marked the New Year until 1752.[2]
Topic: Entirely God’s.
In today’s gospel, angel Gabriel was sent by God to Virgin
Mary. The angel said to her, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was much perplexed by these words. And the angel went further,
Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.
And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him
Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the
Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over
the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.
Mary asked, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel
replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High
will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be
called Son of God.” Mary immediately gave her acceptance speech: “Here am I,
the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
We see how willingly Mary accepted her role in God’s plan for
our redemption. She did not even ask for time either to think over it or to
consult anybody. We must remember that Mary could have said no but she
willingly said yes to the will of God. And it is on this single-minded yes of
Mary hangs today’s solemnity.
On our part, we are God’s “unworthy servants” (Lk 17:10). Consequently, we ought to
accept the will of God always willingly after the example of Mary. The world
and the desire for it that we sometimes cling to will surely pass away. So also
is the pandemic, COVID-19. But he who does the will of God abides forever, cf.
1Jn 2:17. Saint Peter rightly asks
us “to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer by human passions
but by the will of God” (1Pt 4:2).
And one needs endurance to do this, cf. Heb
10:36. Finally, accepting the will of God does not make one lesser but
greater, cf. Prov 11:24.
Bible Reading: Rom 12:1-2;
1Thess 4:1-12.
Thought for today: Mary is the mother of our Saviour.
Let us pray: Lord, give us the grace to
appreciate your Son and Mary who willingly accepted to be His mother – Amen.
Holy Mary – Pray for us especially against
this COVID-19.
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