Wednesday, March 25, 2026

 Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

 (Isaiah 7:10-14.8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38)

 One scene will always stand out in the film classic, “Boys’ Town.”  A young boy enters the office of Boys Town founder, Fr. Flanagan, with an even younger child on his back.  With the priest’s face looking astonished, the boy tries to put him at ease.  “He’s not heavy, Father;” he says, “he’s my brother.” The wonder of today’s feast can be described with these words.

 The Annunciation commemorates more than the angel’s announcement of Mary’s divine motherhood.  More importantly, it celebrates God’s taking on human flesh.  It might be said that on this feast the Church praises God for becoming a brother.  God does so not that He might understand better the human experience.  After all, God knows all.  Nor is God looking for human praise.  He has no need for that. Rather, God becomes human so that humans might know how much He loves them.  Like the child being carried by his older brother, humans now have experienced directly God’s infinite care.

 God’s becoming human links us more closely to one another as well.  He is not just a common bond but also a constant reminder that we have to care for one another.  Remembering Christ’s promise of blessing to those who care for the needy, we should say with Mary, “May it be done to me according to your word.’”

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