Today the Church remembers the Annunciation of the Incarnation of the Son of God to a young Israelite girl named Maryam (Mary) by the angel Gabriel.
Blessed day on which we remember the astonishing faith of this young girl who said "yes" to bearing the Son of God, becoming pregnant before being wed to her betrothed, when "yes" might have led to her being rejected by her family, shunned by her people, or even being stoned to death. Thank you, blessed one. Because of your faith in the love of God our Savior was born and the universe has been transformed.
Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
