The Feast of the Annunciation

The Feast of the Annunciation

March 25, 2020

There is a story written of the Annunciation.  Mary in her small humble home; a structure made of stone with very simple furnishings. Her clothing is simple as well; a pale blue tunic with a white mantle.  She is at rest. The light is dim, perhaps evening. Without any notice a light slowly begins to form around her; the center of this light more intense than the edges.  Mary is not startled, but is drawn out of her thoughts. When the light, the Angel Gabriel, begins to speak, her eyes grow deep and all sound fades. Her expression is one of understanding mixed with some confusion.  It is as if she has lived in expectation of this visit.  Her posture changes and she leans inward; absorbing.  The voice of Gabriel is low and soothing.  And then Mary questions, ” How can this be?” Not in a voice of doubt, but maybe awe.  She answers and gives her,” Yes” and in that moment the light becomes soft in the center just as it is on the edges. She has answered well. The glow of the light lingers as the Angel leaves.  He has accomplished what God has sent him to do. The story ends with this observation… It seems as if when the Angel leaves, his words were encapsulated in breath; almost as though the words entered her.

 The Word of God made Flesh.  Mary being changed.  When the Word of God finds Mary, becomes inside her in seed form, her life is changed forever.  From a young girl to an immediate woman; it is done.  Irreversible.  When the Word of God enters our own hearts, either quietly and with permission, or shot like an arrow where we wonder what hit us, we also must make the acknowledgment. The “ Yes” we give allows the breath to be encapsulated in us.