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March 25, 2026- Homily
Reading: Luke 1: 26-38
The Annunciation of the Lord (Solemnity)
This passage recounts a moment when heaven touched earth in a profound way, known as the Annunciation—the moment when the angel Gabriel visited the Virgin Mary in the humble town of Nazareth, bringing an incredible message from God.
The angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" (Luke 1:28, NKJV). Mary, understandably, was troubled and confused by this greeting. But the angel assured her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God" (Luke 1:30, NKJV).
Let's pause here for a moment. Imagine being in Mary's position—young, humble, and suddenly visited by an angel with such extraordinary news. It's natural to feel fear and uncertainty. Yet, the angel's first words are "Do not be afraid." This is a message for all of us. In the moments when overwhelming challenges or divine opportunities come our way, God calls us to face them without fear.
The angel then tells Mary that she will conceive a son, and she shall call His name Jesus. This child will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest, and His kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:31-33, NKJV).
Mary, puzzled, asks, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" (Luke 1:34, NKJV). The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and through God's power, she will bear the Son of God. Mary's response is a powerful testament of faith: "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38, NKJV).
From this passage, we learn several important lessons. First, God often calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Mary was a young woman of humble means from a small town, yet she was chosen to play a pivotal role in God's salvation plan. This reminds us that no matter our background, God sees potential in each of us.
Second, Mary's response is a model of faith and trust. Her willingness to accept God's plan, despite not understanding all the details, shows us the power of surrendering to God's will. It encourages us to trust God's guidance, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
So, how can we apply these lessons in our lives today? We can start by opening our hearts and minds to God's everyday calls, recognizing that He often works through the ordinary moments in our lives.
When faced with confusion or fear about our future, let's remember to pray and seek God's help, trusting that He is with us and will guide us.
Today, March 25, we celebrate the Annunciation with joy and gratitude. This date is significant because it marks nine months before Christmas—the birth of Jesus.
The Church chose this date to highlight the moment Jesus' earthly life began, emphasizing the wonder of the Incarnation, where God became flesh and dwelt among us.
As we reflect on this sacred moment, may we be inspired by Mary's faith, courage, and willingness to embrace God's plan. As we go forth today, let us carry with us the message of hope and trust that the Annunciation brings, becoming conduits of God's love in the world.
Bishop James Long, D. Min, OSB, OCR
Presiding Archbishop
