Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord — Saying Yes to God’s Will

We celebrate the beautiful Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord on March 25.  This day, which is nine months prior to Christmas Day, honors the Blessed Virgin Mary saying “Yes” to God’s will for her as part of His divine plan for salvation of the world.  Mary’s “Yes” is included every year in the Gospel reading for this Solemnity:

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word.  

Luke 1:38

The Solemnity of the Annunciation is a bittersweet day for me as it is also the anniversary of my father’s death.  He died on March 25, 1998, and I have had a Mass said in his memory each year on this day.  Over the years, I have found comfort in the Mass readings for the Solemnity, which provide me with encouragement and strength to accept God’s will for my life.  Mary’s brave and trusting acceptance of God’s will helps me to accept God’s will in my life, even to accept God’s will for the death of a beloved parent.  The Gospel reading also reminds me that God is always with us, and that I should not be afraid (Luke 1:26-38). 

The Solemnity of the Annunciation is a gentle reminder to all of us to accept God’s will, whether all is well in our lives or if we face numerous struggle and challenges.  I pray that Mary’s “Yes” to God which we commemorate today will fill your soul and inspire you to accept His will with courage and grace, even during these difficult times. 

May you continue to be Smitten with Goodness, today and always,

Jacquelyne

The Angelus is a good reminder of Mary’s “Yes” that we can pray throughout the year:  

V/. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R/. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

V/. Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
R/. Be it done unto me according to thy Word.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

V/. And the Word was made flesh,
R/. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

V/. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R/. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts: that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection.  Through the same Christ our Lord. 
Amen.