On the Annunciation of Our Lord: She said ‘Yes’!

Matthew Harrison

March 26, 2007
A shrine of Our Lady along the road in the German countryside around the village of Fuchtorf“He was born in a new condition, for, invisible in his own nature, he became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, he chose to come within our grasp. Existing before time began, he began to exist at a moment in time. Lord of the universe he hid his infinite glory and took the nature of a servant. Incapable of suffering as God, he did not refuse to be a man, capable of suffering. Immortal, he chose to be subject to the laws of death.” – From a letter by Saint Leo the Great, pope, from the Office of Readings
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” – Luke 1:38
Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Annunciation of our Lord. Today a firm and courageous yes undid the ‘no’ of Eve. Today our Saviour took his place in the Virgin Mary’s womb. Today the Word was made flesh! Today we look to our Mother, Mary the Mother of God, and ask her to speak a word for us to her Son – that He may be born more fully into our lives; that we may not be scared or hard-hearted, but that we may surrender ourselves to His will. That we may say yes as Mary did.
Christ continually gives of himsef to us: in the Incarnation, in his Crucifixtion, even in the sacraments! Everyday, endlessly, Christ is offering himself to you: how will you respond?
Mary, cause of our joy, pray for us!