Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord
Scripture:
Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38
Reflection:
One of the commentaries for today’s Solemnity of the Annunciation reminds us of how we often assume that Mary’s inner life is a spiritual blank slate before the angel appears at her door. We know from the Magnificat (Mary’s canticle of praise in Luke’s narrative) how Mary is well-versed in the Sacred Word. Mary already has a vibrant relationship with God before Gabriel shows up. It is not that the Annunciation leads her out of doubt and into faith; it is that her encounter with the angel leads her out of certainty and into holy bewilderment.
Mary hears she is to be overshadowed, that is, God will work in “cloudy,” overshadowing ways, as God did with Moses… When Moses wanted to see God face-to-face, God responded that Divine Presence would overwhelm him, searing his imagination. No one could see God face-to-face and survive.
So, God works INDIRECTLY, by OVERSHADOWING us, in CLOUDY, OBSCURE or MURKY ways. Not just in the lives of Moses and Mary… as this isn’t merely history, but mystery, OUR mystery.
That verb, “to overshadow” (or “come upon”) is a wonderful word! How are angels bringing Good News (Gospel) to you today? Maybe a grandchild who tells you that you are the best cook in the world! Maybe it’s the newspaper delivery person who makes an extra effort to place the paper just outside your door in inclement weather. Or perhaps your spouse who speaks of a God-experience they had today while you’re sharing a glass of wine together.
This week the Vatican released Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In this holy year designation of “Pilgrims of Hope,” Francis’ message recalls that every vocation—be it to ordained ministry, consecrated life, or the laity—should offer the world a sign of God’s hope for every person. He noted that young people frequently feel dismay and confusion when they look to the future, given the background of insecurity, identity crises, unjust treatment of others, and general indifference. “Yet the Lord, who knows the human heart, does not abandon us in our uncertainty,” said the Pope. “He wants us to know that we are loved, called and sent as pilgrims of hope.”
Happy Annunciation!
Fr. Jack Conley, CP, is the local superior of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.