Feast of the Annunciation

+JMJ+

We are all called to do God's will. He created us and His will is always the best for each of our lives.

When Christ came into the world, He said, "Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God.
Hebrews 10:5-7

Today, the Church recalls another instance, par excellance, in which God's will was perfectly fulfilled. This is seen in the Annunciation, in which Our Lady obediently said "yes" to God's will and conceived and bore Our Savior in her virginal womb. Further, it is evident that this event was so important in the life of the Blessed Mother that the Archangel Gabriel calls her not by her ordinary name "Mary." Rather, he calls Her "Full of Grace," thus acknowledging Her own Immaculate Conception. True to the rest of the Bible, a person's name was changed whenever God called him or her to a special task/vocation. This is why a pope changes his name upon being elected and nuns traditionally receive a new name, also.

Next, let's examine the response of Our Lady. "Be it done unto me according to thy word." Mary does not hesitate, but instantly accepts the will of God. Her joyful submission should become a model for the rest of us to follow. As I mentioned in the beginning of the post, God calls each of us to a vocation--religious, married, or a consecrated single state in life. This call has within it a special grace, for it is truly a gift from God. Consequently, we must not be afraid to embrace God's Holy will for our lives. God will make His will fit perfectly with our freedom.

Mary, give us the grace necessary to joyfully and promptly respond to God's will for our lives, now and always.

Fernandez, In Conversation with God, vol 6, 175-187