The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary. (Lk 1:26-27)
Today is the Feast of the Annunciation.
God sent His angel, Gabriel, to Mary in order to ask her to participate intimately in the salvation history of her people.
For ages they had been praying for the long-expected Messiah. They knew that a deliverer had been promised and they longed to see the day that the promise would be fulfilled.
However, for so many people, knowing that something will come about and being asked to take part in that something are two different things.
One can imagine the shock Mary must have felt when Gabriel appeared to her. Angels appearing to people are far from common occurrences. As a matter of fact, angels appearing usually spelled trouble.
Mary was a bit frightened, which was why Gabriel had to tell her not to fear. Mary was a bit confused which is why Gabriel explained to her that God would send the Holy Spirit to overshadow her in order for her to conceive.
Mary may have been frightened and confused; but, Mary was a faithful handmaiden of God. If God asked, she was going to say “yes”.
God asks us to follow faithfully today.
What will be our answer?
FAITH ACTION: Ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to do and to give you the courage to say “yes” to His will as Mary did.