“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word’” (Luke 1:38).[1]

Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. In Luke’s Gospel, we read about the Angel Gabriel visiting Mary and announcing she would bear the Son of the Most High. The Annunciation reminds us that God is active in the world. We see him entering into human history and inviting his creation, like Mary, to help establish lasting peace. In Mary, we see the truest example of a whole-hearted, humble response to this invitation.[2][3]

Written by Sarah Ciotti
Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD
[1] Revised Standard Version, “Luke, The Gospel According to.”
[2] John Paul II, Homily, March 25, 2000.
[3] Benedict XVI, Address, May 14, 2009.