Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 25, 2025

Solemnity of the Annunciation of our Lord

Scripture Text: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “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 called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading brings us the account of Gabriel’s announcement to Mary of the LORD’s choice of her to be the mother of His Son incarnate. Mary’s question is not one of disbelief or doubt but rather one seeking more detail of how she will conceive. Mary’s loving faith is further illustrated through her response, “May it be done to me according to your word.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How deep is my faith? Do I embrace with loving faith the LORD’s call to me to do His will?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You chose the Mary to be your beloved Son’s blessed mother and through the power of the Spirit, she conceived and bore your Son. Send your Spirit to kindle within us the fire of your love to transform us into the daughters and sons You created us to be so that we might more faithfully welcome your only-begotten Son into our minds, our hearts, our lives, ourselves. Grant that we may be more attentive to You and to your will for us and have the courage to respond as Mary did with a faith-filled “Yes.” We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.

Painting of the Annunciation by Fra Angelico