Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Written by Shannon Olinski

Coming up on March 25 we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord!

Saint Irenaeus, doctor of Church, poignantly reminds us that Nazareth is the counterpart of Eden.

In Eden, Eve is rash and unwise, too easily deceived by a spirit of darkness. While in Nazareth, Mary is wise and prudent, recognizing an angel of God. She humbly responds to the angel’s message: 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word.'

As an expectant mother, I can’t help but wonder what it must have been like to be the Virgin Mary in this pivotal moment.

• Was she ever overwhelmed with her role in salvation history?

• Did she feel set apart from the rest of the world?

• How was she able to fathom and trust in the fullness of God’s plan for mankind?     

As Christians, we know the tenants of our faith, yet so often we are rash, quick to take control of our own story. We say we believe that God’s plan is better than our own desires, yet we often stray from the path he has for us.

If we could find a way to surrender our every move to God we might reshape our perspective on trials, triumphs and struggles. The ebb and flow of our life wouldn’t feel as monotonous, but rather more purposeful and divine. 

In prepartion of this Feast Day, pray with me: 

Holy Father,

Help me surrender all to you. Although I’ll never be from sin, I look to Mother Mary as an example humility and prudence. Make me more like the holiest of your disciples, the Blessed Virgin.
Amen.