Feast of the Annunciation

Today the Church celebrates with great joy the solemn feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  I was hoping to have a special Mass this evening at St. Mary's Parish, dedicated to the B.V.M.  But of course that can't happen due to current circumstances.

In lieu of that, it might be good to pray and reflect at home on the Scripture readings from today's Mass and/or to pray the joyful mysteries of the Rosary, which include this beautiful world-altering event of the Annunciation and Incarnation.  (Here's how to pray the Rosary, if you have forgotten).




I like this rendition of the Annunciation scene, because it emphasizes the tradition of the Angel Gabriel asking Mary to become the Mother of God almost as if it were a wedding proposal, with the Angel on bended knee before the Blessed Virgin.  We believe that, when Jesus took on our human flesh and human nature, it was as if there was a "wedding" between God and man.  It also shows the whole Trinity at work, with God the Father were casting the Holy Spirit down upon the Blessed Virgin, in whose holy womb the Word  (the Son of God) became flesh.   Lots to pray about and contemplate!

   -Fr. Reutter

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