OSF Reflection: Solemnity of the Annunciation - March 25

As confusing as it may seem, liturgically, the solemnity of the Annunciation is really a good feast to celebrate during Lent. It reminds us that our reflections during Lent are possible because Mary responded YES to the Archangel Gabriel’s interruption into her own life, becoming pregnant, giving birth to the Savior,and forever altering the course of history. Her YES led us toGood Friday, Jesus’ YES to God and humanity. Our faith, our observance of the liturgical calendar, our prayer lives are all elements of evangelization, the evangelization of the good news of Jesus. Mary, Jesus’ mother was the first to receive this good news. She heard and received God’s Word in her heart before she accepted the incarnation of that Word in her womb. Each of us is extended that same invitation, to hear and received God’s Word so that it becomes incarnate in our own lives.

Mary’s YES to God at the Annunciation was harmonized by her son’s YES to God on the cross. This yes, becomes real for us every time we celebrate the Eucharist.

The Annunciation was a quiet, modest glimpse into theincredible beginning of God’s active presence and engagement with humanity. God didn’t make a demand of Mary, nor was the announcement made with trumpets blaring or a full press conference. God softly, almost inaudibly invited Mary and in turn all of us, into a promise of love. In an era and social time where so many feel despair and helplessness, the Annunciation breaks through our sorrow and sadness, revealing God’s love for every single person, inviting us to be a member of a beloved community.

In his book The Prophetic Imagination Walter Brueggemann, a prolific Old Testament scholar and theologian, beckons us to consider what the beloved community - an acute awareness of messianic time - just might look like. It’s hard for us to envision the possibility of a better, more just community when we are living in a time when it seems impossible to achieve. Brueggemann suggests, “We need to ask not whether it is realistic or practical or viable but whether it is imaginable.”

The Solemnity of the Annunciation is an invitation for us to pause, reflect and imagine Mary’s humanity as a prelude to Jesus’. Mary’s initial response of trepidation and bewilderment to Gabriel’s message is understandable. What was being said was physically impossible, yet Gabriel shows Mary that with God anything and everything is possible. Mary’s reply reflects faith, trust, and a willingness to participate in God’s plan, even when sense cannot be made of the situation. But to imagine the possibilities of what could happen…that is faith and the Holy Spirit in our midst.

The gospel story of Mary’s YES to God comes at a time during Lent when we might be feeling “Enough, there is no more to give of myself, I am empty.” Perhaps at this point in our Lenten journey we can reflect of the emptiness we feel as an opportunity to be like Mary and say YES to the joy and the possibility of being filled with God’s promise, allowing “the power of the Most High” to overshadow us. May the incarnate WORD and presence of God continue Mary’s YES in our own lives.

Prayer:  My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

Dr. Alexandria Egler

(Thank you, Dr. Egler, a partner in our Franciscan mission, for your reflection and for contributing a photo!)