The Annunciation of the Lord
Feast day March 25
“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him . . . might have eternal life.” (John 3:16) At the Annunciation, God revealed this good news to Mary. She was the first to hear and to believe that God would do what he promised. Her faith told her that nothing is impossible for God. Mary also heard God’s invitation calling her to be the Virgin Mother of his Son.
This call meant that Jesus would be formed in her womb, and she, as his mother, would nourish and care for him. This call meant that she had a special place in God’s plan for salvation. Mary replied, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) In saying yes, Mary agreed to God’s plan because she wanted what God wanted. She was willing to accept all the joy and pain, all the unexpected events. She was willing to bring Christ to a waiting world.
Suggestions
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Post and discuss pictures of the Annunciation.
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Divide Luke 1:26–38 into nine sections: verses 26–27; verse 28; verses 29–30; verses 31–33; verse 34; verse 35; verse 36; verse 37; verse 38. Pray the First Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, having a volunteer read a section after each Hail Mary.
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Teach the students to pray the Angelus, a traditional prayer about the Incarnation that is usually prayed each day in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. Words to this prayer are found on the inside back cover of the student book and on page T454 of the teacher’s guide.
Excerpted from Christ Our Life, by Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio
Image credit: The Annunciation by Paolo de Matteis, 1712. Public Domain via Wikimedia.
Related Content:
Arts & Faith video on the Annunciation