The Annunciation Story Ever Told!

 (Homily for the Solemnity of The Annunciation of the Lord)

The Annunciation event reminds us of a story of a special birth, the birth of the Great One who unlike others was born to die, while others are born to live. He was to be born to save the world, little wonder he said at the threshold of his entrance into the world: “Bull’s blood and goats’ blood are useless for taking away sins…Yon wanted no sacrifice or cereal offering but you gave me a body” (Heb. 10:4,5). The Annunciation is God’s unfolding plan of redemption. The Annunciation looks towards Golgotha!

    The first reading (Is. 7:10-14) presents the story of Ahaz, who was known for his religious indifference. The historical situation of the episode in this passage is described in 2 Kings 16:5-9. It happened when Syria entered into alliance with the northern kingdom of Israel against the southern kingdom of Judah of which Ahaz was the King. Together they laid siege to Jerusalem. Here, prophet Isaiah offers Ahaz a sign that everything will be a success at the long run, but Ahaz refused such a sign, because he wanted to have nothing to do with Isaiah’s advice. Notwithstanding, Isaiah proceeded and gave the sign: “A young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel”. Ahaz had trust in the political alliance with the Assyrians and their gods, but not in the help of God. But Isaiah reminded him that God has guaranteed the continuity of the dynasty of David, and as such it cannot be destroyed. And indeed the solemnity of today is the realization of the promise of a sign, a sign that became a reality in and through the Annunciation event.  Indeed, this episode reveals that what God says He will do, He will do it. He carries out His will and designs irrespective of human infidelity and lack of cooperation, the story of Ahaz is an eloquent example.

          In the Gospel (Lk.1:26-38) St. Luke presents the Annunciation event, an event indeed beaming with hope. Behold, we have a number of Annunciation narratives in the Old Testament (eg. The birth of Isaac Gen.18, Sampson Judg.13 and Samuel 1Sam. 1), and Luke equally recorded the Annunciation of John the Baptist. As a matter of fact, Annunciation narratives precede the birth of an important figure and they reveal beforehand the mission of the child to be born, in the matrix of the Salvation history. But no doubt, the account of Jesus’ Annunciation supersedes other Annunciation accounts. For his is not just about a miraculous birth of a barren couple (eg. Isaac), but a miraculous conception of a young woman, who has “no husband”. Indeed, at this event the creative act of the Holy Spirit receives more a wonderful consideration. This creative act of the Holy Spirit is a pointer that Jesus has a transcendental origin, which cannot be collocated in the human ongoing history Through his Incarnation, He is one with us, yet He transcends us. He is one with us and above us.

          Behold, in line with the Annunciation accounts, the mission of the Child to be born (Jesus) is defined in connection with the Davidic Messiah. Indeed, the Incarnation and coming of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Davidic covenantal promise. Indeed, St. Luke in today’s gospel wished to indicate the divine origin of Jesus, and equally to show how his birth was the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies.

          In a particular manner, today’s Gospel invites us in a special way to reflect on two verses from the anecdote of the Annunciation:

►First is the angel’s greetings to Mary, “Hail Mary! Full of grace” (v.28), as a matter of fact, here we readily notice that the initiative of and for this great event came from God.

►Second is Mary’s response, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (v.38), Mary readily accepted the will and Word of God. Mary without fear gave her positive response that changed the history of human salvation. With her ‘Fiat’ or ‘Yes’ Mary brought God forth in and to the world, thus, God becomes present in the midst of his people.

          Above all, this powerful event of the reception of God’s Word by the Blessed Virgin Mary, should propel us to pray asking God to give us the grace of Spiritual spontaneity and readiness to welcome His Word in our life, who comes knocking (cf. Rev. 3:20) every day in different ways and forms at the door of our heart. Let us bear in mind and be conscious that our existential plans, desires and designs could be challenged and changed by the Lord who has better plans and projects for us (cf. Jer. 29:11). Child of God, no matter what God is proposing to you today, “do not be afraid” (Lk.1:30). Therefore, may the openness and disposition of Mary spur us on to create space for Jesus in our life, and this indeed, is the best way of being part of the Annunciation story. May the Word of God continue to take flesh in us! Amen!!!

(Fr. Vitus M.C. Unegbu, SC)