Feast of the Annunciation

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation as explained in todays Gospel Luke 1:26-38 that the angel Gabriel was sent by God to Mary to let her know that she was going to conceive by the Holy Spirit "Hail, full of grace!  The Lord is with you". 

Yet, celebrating the Annunciation is so much more than the Angel Gabriel coming to tell Mary that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit.  It is about Mary saying "yes".  Mary's response to hearing that she was going to conceive of the Holy Spirit was shown in Luke 1:38 “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”   Mary shows us a beautiful faith that her life is not her own and that she will live her life as a servant to God.

It is such a wonderful feast day and great moment to celebrate not only Mary and Jesus but also the importance that God gives to each human life starting in the womb and for each couples constant choice of saying "yes" to God.  I love this article that beautiful talks about the gift of saying "yes" to life even with the crosses that so many are asked to carry.   

March's Art from Art Masterpieces:  A Liturgical Collection

To celebrate today we are going to start by having waffles for breakfast which is a Swedish tradition on the Feast of the Annunciation.   We are also going to read Angel in the Waters and use the opportunity to talk about babies being a blessing inside their mommy's tummies just like Mary was blessed with Baby Jesus. 

 

As we go about our day I think it is good to think about what could we do to say "Yes" to God today like Mary did at the Annunciation?  What are some ways that we can live each moment of our lives with God more in image like Mary did?  How can we ask God what he wants for us each day within our marriage, our families, our friendships and our relationship with Him? 

I pray that today we can all be open to listening to what God is asking of us today.   Also that we can then surrender to God's plan like Mary did, even if it is in a small way.  When I let anxiety or fear come between my relationship with God one of my favorite prayers is by St. Ignatius of Loyola:

 

Take, Lord, and receive all of my liberty, my memory,

my understanding, and my entire will, all I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.  To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will. 

Give me only your love and grace, that is enough for me.