Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org

Published on Friday, 24 March 2023

The Feast of the Annunciation engulfs the world with rhapsodies of joy

By Munir Bayouk/ en.abouna.org :

Saturday March 25, 2023 marks a key event or rather the most important event in history since the start of life on Earth. It is the time when the Divine power revealed a concrete and an unwavering plan to salvage humanity, as well as to restore sinners to their rightful place, namely the Kingdom of God. It is the day when world was engulfed with mercy awaiting Blessed Mary's unique and nonpareil gift to the world while getting rhapsodic about the birth of a Savior Who would shove the believers onto the path of salvation and direct them to eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

 

It was the time marking the start of a new phase in the history of life with the annunciation that a savior called Jesus Christ would be born Who would steer the life of Earth towards salvation of souls and healing the ills of humanity.

 

According to the Holy Bible, Angel Gabriel, sent by God to town in Galilee called Nazareth to Virgin Mary and said, "'Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.' But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘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 holy; he will be called Son of God...Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." (Luke 1.26-38)

 

This celebration on the Feast of the Annunciation is intended to renew its impact today as it marks the start of a new era that opened the doors for humanity to come in touch with the loving and merciful God. It is the celebration that marks a new phase in life where human history completely changes as well as the joyful Blessed Mary's perfect “yes” to the Almighty God's plan. This is a celebration of Her humility, obedience, docility, and especially her motherhood of God and man. Her "yes" ushered humanity into a world proliferating with grace and love.

 

The Holy Bible abounds with references that unfold the eminent birth of Savior Lord Jesus Christ. It states, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

 

Thank you Blessed Mary. We honor You as You responded to God with trust and humility. You model for humanity how to give our hearts fully to Him, believing that He will provide all that we need. In the Annunciation, You stepped into the unknown by giving your wholehearted "yes" to the angel. In the nativity, you brought the Savior of the World into existence. He is your son and our brother, as well as our savior. Without your freely given "yes", there would have been no Church for us as we know it today. Your "yes" brought about the Incarnation of our Lord and we give you our deepest gratitude.

 

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.