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CajunRick
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Posted: Mon Mar 26th, 2007 01:22 pm |
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Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Father Andrew J. Fisher, Director of Liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine, offers this reflection for today:
Each year on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the Church commemorates the most important question ever asked. The answer to this one question would indeed change all creation. The Gospel of St. Luke recounts that the Angel Gabriel was sent to a young virgin named Mary to see if she would fulfill God's plan and agree to be the Mother of the Savior. From all women this young girl had been chosen to bring the Savior into the world. When the Angel Gabriel announced God's plan to Mary, she said "Yes." Her response, and the entrance of the Savior into the world, would forever be celebrated with great joy and thanksgiving.
The beauty of Mary's "Yes" is that it was made with true love. Although Mary did not know all the details of this plan, nor all the joys and sorrows that would lie ahead, she did know this plan came from God. Therefore her response was to not simply cooperate, but to cooperate with unselfish love: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38). Whatever God asked of her, Mary would do with complete trust and fidelity.
With Mary's "Yes", we know that "The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, a child came to be in her womb. This child, soon to be born in Bethlehem, would later stretch out his arms on the cross and free us from our sins. Today we celebrate the reality of the incarnation, and a child who came to give life all those who hope for salvation.
But Mary's response to God's plan did not end when the angel departed. Mary was the perfect disciple who remained always with her Son. The "Yes" given in faith to the angel was echoed each day in Mary's words and deeds. In our daily prayers let us seek to follow Mary's example of faith, that our lives may also echo each day our gratitude for the gift of the Savior.
As Saint Augustine would write:
"Mary carried Him in her womb; let us carry Him in our hearts; she gave birth to the Savior; let us give birth to praise".
This meditation is provided by the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Reposted with permission.
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Darlene
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania USA |
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Posted: Fri Mar 30th, 2007 11:25 pm |
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How beautiful Rick. I would never hear such a sermon in a Protestant church, and yet, I do not think most Protestant Evangelicals could find any fault with this sermon.
I thank Mary often now for saying "Yes" to God. Isn't this called her fiat? And I prayer that I too, might always be willing to say "Yes" to God's will for my life.
Darlene
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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