It seems off to have a Gospel reading about the Annunciation during the Easter Season. Actually this reading should have been on Good Friday, but because of it falling on the Triduum, it is moved to the Easter season.
This is a story of hope and deliverance, which echoes the Easter message. Mary is our example of how we should each say yes to God's presence within us, to hold and foster him within us, and to share him with the world.
The Gospel story is also a reminder of how sacred life is no matter how young, especially in this current culture of death. Abortion always seems like it is being talked about, but it is still the killing of the innocent. No matter what age, young or old, life should be seen as precious. God chose to be made manifest in human form so that our sins and the death that came into being through evil could be undone so that we can have life.
Showing posts with label Annunciation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Annunciation. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2016
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Luke 1-26:38 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Today's Gospel reading is the same as those from Tuesday, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. A beloved deacon I knew used to tell me that whenever I saw a reading twice in the same week, pay attention!
In the story of the Annunciation we are given only two phrases that Mary speaks herself, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" and, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." What should impress us most is that these words contain no fear. In one she asks a question relating to a fact that she knows to be true. In the second she fully commits herself with courage and faith to God's plan. It indicates that she knew that she had a choice. She could have said 'no'. She could have been apathetic, which is also a choice. Instead she chooses to live out God's will through her.
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We honor Our Lady and remember the story as she appeared to St. Juan Diego calling him to serve God, similar to the way that the Angel Gabriel appeared to her calling her to serve God. Through her, Juan Diego was led closer to her son, Jesus Christ. Through following God's will, so many more would come to follow the Son and know the Way, the Truth and the Life that leads to the eternal kingdom. Because of her eternal love, watchfulness and protection that leads to Christ, we honor our Lady who bore the Christ Child. Indeed as she appeared to Juan Diego, Christ radiated from within her.
In the story of the Annunciation we are given only two phrases that Mary speaks herself, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" and, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." What should impress us most is that these words contain no fear. In one she asks a question relating to a fact that she knows to be true. In the second she fully commits herself with courage and faith to God's plan. It indicates that she knew that she had a choice. She could have said 'no'. She could have been apathetic, which is also a choice. Instead she chooses to live out God's will through her.
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We honor Our Lady and remember the story as she appeared to St. Juan Diego calling him to serve God, similar to the way that the Angel Gabriel appeared to her calling her to serve God. Through her, Juan Diego was led closer to her son, Jesus Christ. Through following God's will, so many more would come to follow the Son and know the Way, the Truth and the Life that leads to the eternal kingdom. Because of her eternal love, watchfulness and protection that leads to Christ, we honor our Lady who bore the Christ Child. Indeed as she appeared to Juan Diego, Christ radiated from within her.
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| Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe from St. Juan Diego's tilma |
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