In the small chapel where I pray, there is above the altar a picture somewhat similar to the scene above. The Annunciation is indeed a day when we honor Mary as well as her Son, Jesus Christ. On this day, we believe, the Son of God and Mary, both, accepted the will of the Father. Mary would become the mother of the Father's son; the Son would become man to atone for all the sins of humankind past and future.
One might consider how swiftly Mary responded to the angel's message from the Father: "Mary, God wants you to become the mother of his son. You will will him Jesus." Could anyone doubt that fear and anxiety abounded in the room where Mary was praying? A simple angelic statement; a world turned topsy-turvey. What was this young girl to do? The "public relations" issue necessitated by the Jewish laws regarding such a premarital situation surely frightened her. Did she talk to her mother and father? Did she seek out the feelings of the man she was to marry, Joseph? One commentator raised an interesting question: Did all of this take place at one moment or did Mary take some time to "discern" the will of the Father for her? Interesting question, isn't it? So often we just take this momentous event as happening all at once.
While we might focus on Mary on this day in Lent, there is an opportunity for each one to consider how God has been offering moments of grace during the season for each person. Lent, as most people come to know, is a time of discernment. What "signs" or "graces" has God given during these special days of prayer? Have the "sacrifices" or additional devotional practices adopted for this season opened my heart to the "angel" God has sent to me during these Lenten days? Have I thought of Lent in this manner?
Photo: www.marypages.com
