Annunciation of the Lord

The angel Gabriel said to Mary "Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:28

This Thursday March 25 we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. Pope Benedict XV1 points out that the angel's greeting using the Greek formula chaire means rejoice. "This exclamation from the angel - we could say - marks the true beginning of the New Testament...Gospel - Good News."

Readings

Is 7:10-14, 8:10   "Look, the virgin is with child and will give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel." (14)

Heb 10:4-10          "Here I am! I am coming to do your will." (9)

Luke 1:26-38         "For nothing is impossible to God." (38)

We remember the Annunciation when we recite the Church's Marian prayer Hail Mary. Today is an especially good day to say the Hail Mary slowly and prayerfully pondering on the words and what they mean for us. 

You may like to learn this Hail Mary song which is signed for the deaf community. HERE 

The famous painting of the the Annunciation featured here is by Fra Angelico. The original is displayed in the Prado Museum, Madrid.