Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
(Isaiah 7:10-14.8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38)
In a bitter attack on faith the so-called new atheist Sam
Harris equates Christianity with “the claim that we must love and be loved by a
God who approves of the scapegoating, torture, and murder of one man – his son…” Although Mr. Harris’ broadside may find basis
in the writings of some theologians, it misconstrues genuine Christian redemption
summarized in the reading from the Letter to the Hebrews today.
God no more delights in human bloodshed than parents in
bickering among their children. What God
does enjoy is his creation following the path of goodness leading to its
edification. Human adherence to that way
was a long time in coming but at last found its realization in Jesus whose
incarnation is celebrated today. He will
be in such perfect accord with God’s will that the world, distorted by Satan’s
power, will have him executed. Anticipating
the grace flowing from Jesus’ obedience, Mary gives her assent to God’s word in
the gospel.
Today’s Feast of the Annunciation wells up awe and wonder
within us. The consideration of natural
birth begins the excitement. The meditation
on God’s becoming human increases the marvel.
And the contemplation of this God-man’s being rejected and executed for the
sake of human redemption leads to our adoration and self-surrender.
