The Catholic Calendar for Monday, April 4, 2005
The Annunciation of the Lord

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 40:7-11
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel we hear the memorable and potent words of Mary, "I am the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say." With this pronouncement of willing assent, God's plan for the salvation of the world moved closer to fulfillment.

How many times in our lives have we failed initially to do what God has called and instructed us to do? How much longer and more difficult did the road become until finally we relented and let God's will be done in us?

Today the lesson for me is that Will of God will always be done in the final analysis. Mankind will eventually turn away from their error-filled ways and literally see the "Light," but how much suffering to both mankind and the Sacred Heart of Jesus will have to be experienced in the meantime. "How long O Lord, how long," we lament with the prophets.

Like Mary, may we be simple and obedient -- though not always understanding the full meaning of all God's overtures in our lives; but never-the-less, trustingly turning over to God the only thing that He has deigned not to control or own: our free will.

Since we know that God desires only what is for our good, may we with simple faith-filled voices say, "I am the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be done unto me as you say." Then will the Word become flesh for us and live in us, speak through us, and hasten all of us to that day and time when the fulfillment of God's divine plan will be accomplished for all eternity -- that final and glorious day when all the remaining and faithful people throughout all generations will finally be gathered into the everlasting peace of heaven. Let it be done unto me as You say, Lord.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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