SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION Lectionary #545
(In 2008, because it is suppressed by the liturgies of the Triduum, this feast is transferred from March 25 to March 31.) Usually in the midst of Lent, as we approach the memorial of Jesus’ death, we celebrate the beginning of the Incarnation. This year, we celebrate it in the midst of the festival of the Resurrection, combining the beginning and the end of Jesus’ journey. Church tradition holds that Jesus was conceived by his mother as soon as Mary responded to the angel, “Let it be done to me as you have said.” Also, as early as Hippolytus, church tradition held that Jesus died thirty (or thirty-three) years to the day on which he was conceived, in about the year 30. Until the year 1752, March 25 was celebrated in England and some European countries as New Year’s Day.

Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10. Unsure of whether or not to follow the prophet’s advice in a time of great conflict, King Ahaz of Judah asks for some sign from God. The prophet responds that one of Ahaz’s wives (a “young woman” according to the Hebrew) will give birth to a son. The sign, then, is that the dynasty will continue—a sign of God’s continuing presence with the nation through the line of King David.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (39) 40
Today’s excerpt is taken from the first half of this psalm, an individual thanksgiving hymn. In response to God’s action, the psalmist proclaims personal fidelity to the divine will, considered to be superior even to the sacrifices offered in the Temple.

Aquí Estoy, Señor (García) FYC 519
Here Am I (Proulx) RS 75, verses 4-7/WOR1029
Here I Am (Cooney) G2 47/GC 49/GC2 35/GP 204/RS 74
Here I Am, O God (Warner) WC 400
Here I Am, O Lord (Isele)  CBW 216
Here I Am, O Lord (O’Carroll)  CH 143

Hebrews 10:4-10. Building on the attitude of Psalm 40, the author of Hebrews describes Christ’s fidelity to the divine will as the reason for his exaltation and as the medium of our salvation.

Luke 1:26-38. The vision of the angel ends with Mary also echoing the psalmist: “May it be done to me according to your word.” We repeat that same attitude of fidelity each time that we pray the Lord’s Prayer.

Songs for the Liturgy

A Message Came to a Maiden Young  RS 478
All Who Claim the Faith of Jesus  CH 321/G2 567/GC 787/RS 897
Ave Luz Mañanera  FYC 205
By All Your Saints Still Striving, w/ special second verse  RS 887/WOR705/WC 954
Canticle of the Turning  G2 376/GC 556/GC2 527/RS 678
Como Estrella en Claro Cielo  FYC 203
Del Cielo Vino  FYC 207
El Angelus  FYC 221
Hail Mary: Gentle Woman  G2 564/GC 782/GC2 779/GP 426/JS 739/WC 966
I Am for You  G2 506/GC 704/GC2 676
I Sing a Maid  G2 563/GC 781/GC2 777/RS 899
Immaculate Mary  CH 316/GC 790/GC2 783/GP 430/JS 493/RS 890/WOR708/WC 971
Madre Morena  FYC 202
María, Madre del Señor  FYC 201
Mary the Dawn  CH 329
No Wind at the Window GC2 768/RS 876
O Mary of Graces  CH 332
O Mary of Promise GC2 781
Oh, Virgen sin Mancha  FYC 218
Praise We the Lord This Day  GC 777/GC2 769/RS 877/WOR 696
She Will Show Us the Promised One  WC 977
Sing of Mary  CH 323/GC 783/GC2 778/GP 432/JS 503/RS 528/WOR404/WC 975
Sing We of the Blessed Mother  GC 786/GC2 776/RS 895/WOR 714
Stainless the Maiden  CH 333/WC 967
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came  GP 441/WOR 695
The God Whom Earth and Sea and Sky  CH 334/JS 501/WOR 405
There Is Nothing Told  G2 566/GP 431
Who Has Known  GP 327