SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD  Lectionary #545

In the midst of Lent, as we approach the memorial of Jesus’ death, we celebrate the beginning of the Incarnation. 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. This is also the anniversary of the first Mass celebrated in the English American colonies, on March 25, 1634, at St. Clement’s Island in Maryland.

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 (Castillo)  FYC 203
Aquí Estoy, Señor (Rubi)  FYC 204
Here Am I (Proulx), RS 75, verses 4-7/WOR 1029
Here I Am (Cooney) G2 47/GC 49/GC2 35/GP 204/RS 74
Here I Am, O God (Warner)  WC 405
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 expressed in 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