Do not be afraid Mary.

"Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."  (Luke 1: 30 NABRE)

Everybody is familiar with the above scene in the Gospel.  Today the Church everywhere in the world celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. We have seen two Solemnities in the Season of Lent.  The Church following the custom of ancient Israel is full of festivities. It is the will of God and delightful to us.

What are we celebrating today? The beginning of the fulfilment of the promise made to us after Eve ate the forbidden fruit.  The Son of the woman would crush the head of the serpent.   (Genesis 3: 15)

What if any of us has the power to create his mother, what would you do? I will make my mother the most beautiful, the most virtuous, a queen of unparalleled dignity and power.  Jesus Christ has this power and He used it.  Mary was not an accident. She is not just any woman who can conceive and bear a son. She was especially chosen from time immemorial to be the Mother of the Redeemer.

How did the early Church and the same Church today discover the identity of Mary? The Holy Spirit taught the Church.  This knowledge is hidden in the hearts of all believers in every age. This is the Lord's doing. It is wonderful in our eyes. (Cf Psalm 118: 23)

On Day 25 of 40 of Lent 2017, the Church suspends Lent again to celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.  Happy Feast Day.

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