April 9, 2018 THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD

Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10

Psalm 40

Hebrews 10:4-10

Luke 1:26-38

“Do not be afraid, Mary…” Lk.1:30

Lord, your Mother Mary is the perfect example of the power of your grace.  That day so many years ago stands as the dividing line of our history.  Did all the angels in heaven hold their breath while Gabriel was speaking to young Mary?  What would she say?  How would this teenage girl respond to an angel from heaven with an impossible message?  You had prepared your mother for this day from the moment of her conception.  Even before that she figured in God’s plan to bring all humanity back to Him.  Thank God she let go of her fear, held on to trust in her Father in heaven and stepped out in faith with her “yes” to Gabriel and to you.  She put all her plans aside, walked forward in courage and never looked back.  Lord, I so struggle with trusting sometimes, especially when the situation is difficult, even impossible.  I pray that my plans will align with your plans.  May I accept the grace you offer and depend on it for the courage to take the next step, to risk ridicule, failure, even suffering and death for you.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and the hour of our death.  Amen.