Behold

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord - March 25th 2025

“Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

What does the Annunciation have to do with us in our modern lives today?

Lives full of distractions, filled with busyness, bombarded with glamor online while our mundane lives seem anything but glamorous, and for many, lives more isolated or lonely than ever in history.

In today’s Gospel we see a young girl stepping forward boldly despite having every reason to run in the other direction. Mary’s Fiat, her “yes” to the Lord’s invitation is a profound example of how we can live out our faith even today and spoiler, it doesn’t have to be a big Fiat, but tiny, little Fiats, again and again to the Lord, over the entirety of our lives.

Our modern lives would have us believe we don’t have the time, the ability, the focus, the aesthetics, and the community to pull off that kind of faithful act. That we have to do big things, like Mary. The reality is Mary’s Fiat is a beautiful example of how we can life the same, but in our everyday, ordinary lives - with little Fiats.

Every time we decide to say yes to God, even a little “yes” such as putting the phone down, and praying for 5 minutes instead of scrolling. Or choosing to say no to one good activity so you can slow down as a family, spending intentional time together, building a strong foundation. Or tuning out the thousands of opinions online (or off) and listening, patiently, for that quiet voice from the One who loves us deeply. Or being just a little brave and inviting new parishioner for coffee, building community and connection in the body of Christ.

These little Fiats can be just as profound. They can be the beginnings of something beautiful, richer, and more fulfilling.

And remember, when the angel Gabriel tells Mary of her cousin Elizabeth, who was called barren? The angel says “For with God nothing will be impossible.”

If we believe this to be true, then imagine what God can do with our little daily Fiats?

We’re approaching the middle of Lent, and I want to invite you all to pray, asking God what little Fiats can you give Him? In what ways can you be like Mary and say “yes” to the Lord today?

The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.