NOTE: BECAUSE THIS FEAST FELL IN LENT THIS YEAR THE UNITED COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS MOVED THIS SOLEMNITY TO APRIL 8
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you”
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary
REFLECTION
The plan for our salvation originates with God; the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.
This fulfills the prophecies of the Savior born of a virgin and born in the line of David and he will rule over the house of David forever. 2 Samuel 7:16
And coming to her, the Angel said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you”
REFLECTION
The angel Gabriel addresses Mary with an expression full of grace, (kecharitomene), Mary is not becoming full of grace; Mary is full of grace now! Mary was preserved from Original Sin from her conception through anticipated merits of Jesus’ Passion and death.
But Mary was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,* and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God
REFLECTION
Mary questioned the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” Mary would not have asked such a question unless she had made a vow of perpetual virginity which Joseph was willing to accept as conditions of their marriage.
Mary’s virginal conception by the power of the Holy Spirit assures us our Savior will have both a Divine Nature and a Human nature. Only God can make adequate atonement for a Divine offense. And only one with a Human nature may atone on behalf of all humanity Jesus has both a Divine nature and a Human nature.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:16-36
REFLECTION
The Angel Gabriel, gave Mary a sign of God’s omnipotence by announcing Mary’s elderly cousin, Elizabeth, afflicted with sterility all her life is now six months pregnant. Mary did not gloat and hang out with her girlfriends but hurried to her cousin Elizabeth to see how she could be of service to her elderly cousin.
When the pregnant Mary meets her pregnant cousin Elizabeth, Elizabeth greets her by saying, “And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” LUKE 1:43
And the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy! Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant.
When the Ark of the Covenant was brought before David, he danced joyfully in the streets of Jerusalem, saying “How can the ark of the Lord come to me!” 2 SAMUEL 6:9 Now John the Baptist danced in Elizabeth’s womb when greeted by Jesus in Mary’s womb.
REFLECTION
Do we dance at least figuratively in Jesus’ presence?
Do I say to God be it done according to your will as Mary did?
If not, why not?
God has a mission for me like He did for Mary.
Do I seek God” plan/mission for me.
God loved me into existence for a reason. God is a lifelong search. Search for that reason!
MARY THE NEW ARK OF THE COVENANT
MARIAN PRAYER
MEMORARE
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;
to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.