SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION 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/WOR1029

Here I Am (Cooney) G2 47/GC 49/GP 204/RS 74

Here I Am, O God (Warner) WC 215

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 FC 205

By All Your Saints Still Striving, w/ special second verse RS 887/WOR705/WC 592

Canticle of the Turning G2 376/GC 556/RS 678

Como Estrella en Claro Cielo FYC 450

Del Cielo Vino FYC 448

El Angelus FYC 475

Hail Mary: Gentle Woman G2 564/GC 782/GP 426/JS 739

I Am for You G2 506/GC 704

I Sing a Maid G2 563/GC 781/RS 899

Immaculate Mary CH 316/GC 790/GP 430/JS 493/RS 890/WOR708/WC 610

Madre Morena FYC 464

Mary the Dawn CH 329

No Wind at the Window RS 876

O Mary of Graces CH 332

Oh, Virgen sin Mancha (Ave de Lourdes) FYC 472

Praise We the Lord This Day GC 777/RS 877/WOR696

She Will Show Us the Promised One WC 606

Sing of Mary CH 323/GC 783/GP 432/JS 503/RS 528/WOR404/WC 607

Sing We of the Blessed Mother GC 786/RS 895/WOR714

Stainless the Maiden CH 333/WC 609

The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came GP 441/WOR695

The God Whom Earth and Sea and Sky CH 334/JS 501/WOR405

There Is Nothing Told G2 566/GP 431

Who Has Known GP 327

You Are the Honor WC 604