The celebration of the Annunciation of Our Lord is an important feast in the Christian calendar. It is celebrated on March 25th every year, exactly nine months before Christmas, and marks the occasion when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. This event is significant because it represents the beginning of Christ’s earthly life and the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.
The Annunciation as a model of obedience: Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement is a model of obedience and surrender to God’s will. She willingly accepted the role that God had assigned to her, despite the potential risks and challenges that came with it. This example of humility and trust can inspire us during Lent to reflect on our own willingness to obey God’s will and to submit ourselves to His plan for our lives. Lent is a time for introspection and self-reflection, and Mary’s example can guide us in our efforts to live a more faithful and obedient life.
The Annunciation as a model of faith: The Annunciation is also a model of faith. Mary’s faith in God’s plan was unshakable, even though she could not fully understand or comprehend it. This faith was evident in her response to the angel’s message, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). During Lent, we are called to deepen our own faith and trust in God’s plan for our lives. The example of Mary can encourage us to trust in God’s goodness and love, even when we face challenges and difficulties.
The Annunciation as a reminder of the Incarnation: The celebration of the Annunciation also reminds us of the Incarnation, the central event in Christian history. The Incarnation is the belief that God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. Mary’s willingness to conceive and bear a child by the Holy Spirit was the first step in the fulfillment of this event. During Lent, we are called to reflect on the meaning and significance of the Incarnation, and to deepen our appreciation for God’s great love and sacrifice. The celebration of the Annunciation can serve as a reminder of this central aspect of our faith.
Conclusion: The celebration of the Annunciation of Our Lord can aid us in the celebration of Lent in several ways. It provides a model of obedience, faith, and trust in God’s plan, and reminds us of the central event in Christian history, the Incarnation. By reflecting on the example of Mary and the meaning of the Annunciation, we can deepen our own faith and commitment to God, and draw closer to Him during this holy season.
Intentional Faith 