The Annunciation of the Lord is the moment when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she had been chosen by God to bear his son, Jesus Christ. It was a moment that Mary gave her fiat, her yes to God. At the time there was no foresight of what that meant and no certainty of what was to come. But since she had practiced trusting God in her Jewish faith, she continued to trust him. This is a great example for. us.
One of my all time favorite quotes about the Annunciation is from Venerable Fulton Sheen: "When the angel appeared to Mary, God was announcing this love for the new humanity. It was the beginning of a new earth, and Mary became ‘a flesh-gift Paradise to be gardened by the new Adam.’ As in the first garden Eve brought destruction, so in the garden of her womb, Mary would now bring Redemption.”
The idea of the "garden of Mary's womb" has been such an inspiration to me in my work.
The Bible says about the Annunciation:
"The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary." - Luke 1:26-27
"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word." - Mary's response to the Angel Gabriel's announcement, Luke 1:38
Be inspired by more quotes about the Annunciation:
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"Mary's yes to God was not just an act of submission, but an act of profound trust and love. She knew that God's plan for her was greater than anything she could have imagined for herself." - Pope Benedict XVI
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"Let us imitate Mary, who accepted the Word of God with faith, and allowed it to take root in her heart, so that it might bear fruit in her life." - St. John Paul II
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"The Annunciation teaches us that God's ways are not our ways, and his plans are not our plans. It invites us to trust in his providence, even when we do not understand." - Archbishop Charles Chaput
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"The Annunciation reminds us that God is always with us, even in the most ordinary moments of our lives. It invites us to look for his presence in all things." - Fr. James Martin, SJ
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"The mystery of the Annunciation reveals the depth of God's love for us, and his desire to be in relationship with us. It invites us to respond with the same love and openness that Mary showed." - Henri Nouwen
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"The Annunciation is a reminder that every human life is a gift from God, and that every person has a unique and irreplaceable role to play in his plan of salvation." - Cardinal Timothy Dolan
The story of the Annunciation inspires us to trust in God's providence and to say yes to his will. May we imitate Mary's faith and trust in God's plan for our lives.
Get 25% off all Marian products to celebrate the Annunciation. Use code MARYMARY from 3/24/23 to 3/25/23.
