Respond with Trust, Unfold the Mission, 

Serve with Love: The Annunciation

Being aware, attentive and at peace in a world that is changing so quickly is very challenging. Do you remember how things were without smartphones or social networks? How about no internet? No 24-hour news cycle on television? Figure out in a very short period, a lot of things changed. If you do not know the world without those things, take the time to ask people around you who lived before how life was back then. Looking forward can be disturbing if you are not sure where to look.

In this same line of thought, try to picture a young girl in a small, uncharted town who suddenly receives an overwhelming greeting from a mysterious figure announcing something that would change her life in a completely unknown way. After one simple question, “How shall this be?”, a very complex answer with a mission follows, and she hastily journeys to the hill country to help someone in need. Her assertive attitude ended up changing the course of human history. This young girl, Mary, as all her people, was waiting for the one that would accomplish what all prophecies promised and for whom everyone hoped and prayed. She had her eyes on that. Her attitude, going on a mission to serve in a staggering moment, can enlighten us in our lives today.

Despite the overwhelming news she received, she shows interest and acts quickly to help her cousin. One way to see her choice is that those two events (the incarnation and the visitation) are not separated; they are intimately intertwined: receiving Christ and serving those in need are connected parts of a single mission. Mary’s quick answer shows her awareness to this reality. She was ready to trustingly respond to this call, she was available to unfold the mission with love.

Discovering our call and mission is a journey of purpose. Being prepared and living up to it requires faith and courage. This is the powerful message that this young woman inspires across generations that call her blessed. On this March 25th, let’s celebrate her words that continue to echo through time: "Be it, according to Thy will."

Happy Annunciation!