Annunciation: A Message of Hope
Fr. Renato L. Ligeralde, CJM
The story of the Annunciation is a story of an intimate relationship of a human being with God. This story could be far from what we usually see in some illustrations wherein a young lady praying, and a winged creature suddenly appeared. In my understanding, this encounter is more of a spiritual or religious experience. This girl, who was so excited about her forthcoming marriage, suddenly experienced/heard the call of God. God talked to her and announced the Good News. “…you will conceive in your womb and bear a son….” Her response, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” Then, after some explanation, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
This short conversation is a good example of transforming a scandal into a blessing. Mary accepted the invitation to be the mother of the Son of God. Although she knew that it could cause her life. She could be the topic of a gossip which could mean death by stoning. But this scandal, because of God’s grace, turned out to be the Good News of salvation. This indicates that Mary is sensitive enough to hear the voice of God and is ready to obey.
Now, because of God’ grace and Mary’s obedience, the whole humanity received a great gift from God. God’s humiliation of entering the sinful world of humanity became a blessing, that is, hope. This is a sign that God did not abandon the whole humanity despite the latter’s infidelity.
Therefore, the annunciation is a message of hope. It is the hope of all people that God would never allow people to stay in their dire situation. God will always be there to love and forgive us. This is our hope. This is our grace. It is up to us, we are going to accept this grace or not. We could repeat the response of Mary: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
Prayer: God our hope, give us a heart that is humble enough to see your grace and accept it. Allow us to be your instrument of hope for others. Amen.
Fr. Renato L. Ligeralde, CJM
The story of the Annunciation is a story of an intimate relationship of a human being with God. This story could be far from what we usually see in some illustrations wherein a young lady praying, and a winged creature suddenly appeared. In my understanding, this encounter is more of a spiritual or religious experience. This girl, who was so excited about her forthcoming marriage, suddenly experienced/heard the call of God. God talked to her and announced the Good News. “…you will conceive in your womb and bear a son….” Her response, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” Then, after some explanation, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
This short conversation is a good example of transforming a scandal into a blessing. Mary accepted the invitation to be the mother of the Son of God. Although she knew that it could cause her life. She could be the topic of a gossip which could mean death by stoning. But this scandal, because of God’s grace, turned out to be the Good News of salvation. This indicates that Mary is sensitive enough to hear the voice of God and is ready to obey.
Now, because of God’ grace and Mary’s obedience, the whole humanity received a great gift from God. God’s humiliation of entering the sinful world of humanity became a blessing, that is, hope. This is a sign that God did not abandon the whole humanity despite the latter’s infidelity.
Therefore, the annunciation is a message of hope. It is the hope of all people that God would never allow people to stay in their dire situation. God will always be there to love and forgive us. This is our hope. This is our grace. It is up to us, we are going to accept this grace or not. We could repeat the response of Mary: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
Prayer: God our hope, give us a heart that is humble enough to see your grace and accept it. Allow us to be your instrument of hope for others. Amen.
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