Gospel: March 25, 2026
March 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Psalter: Proper (White)
Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11
Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
2nd Reading: Hebrews 10:4-10
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God, to a town of Galilee called Nazareth. He was sent to a virgin, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
The angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.
But the angel said, “Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you. You shall conceive and bear a son; and you shall call him Jesus. He will be great, and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his ancestor; he will rule over the people of Jacob forever; and his reign shall have no end.”
Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born of you shall be called Son of God. Even your relative, Elizabeth, is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child; and she is now in her sixth month. With God nothing is impossible.”
Then Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said.” And the angel left her.
Reflection:
Openness and Acceptance
The theme of this passage from Luke is openness and acceptance as Mary encounters the angel Gabriel, who shares the incredible news about her role in God’s plan. When Gabriel tells her, “With God, nothing is impossible,” he encourages Mary to embrace an uncertain future. Mary’s “FIAT” (Let it be done) demonstrates her openness to God’s will and deep acceptance of her role. This moment reflects a universal human experience: the challenge of accepting unexpected life changes. Just as Mary confronts the daunting prospect of becoming a mother in unusual circumstances, we often face situations that push us beyond our comfort zones.
The core message of this passage encourages us to reflect on how we respond to life’s surprises. Are we open to accepting surprises in life? Acceptance is an active choice to engage with our reality, trusting that we can navigate the unknown with God. Mary’s faith and readiness to say “Yes” inspire us to embrace our journeys, helping us recognize that even during uncertain times, we can find purpose and meaning by allowing life to unfold in ways we might never have anticipated.
