Feast of the Annunciation

Today (March 25) is the feast of the Annunciation, when we commemorate the visit of the angel Gabriel to tell the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear a son nine months later. I have not historically paid much attention to the feast of the Annunciation. But it is good news for us right now.
 
Mary’s first reaction to Gabriel’s announcement is perplexity. She wonders how this pregnancy could be. Gabriel responds that “The Holy Spirit will come upon [her], and the power of the Most High will overshadow [her]” (Luke 2:26-38). And the miraculous child will come.
 
Two thousand years later God continues to shower us with grace even, maybe especially, in this difficult time. But God’s grace is not easy to see or to believe. We may well ask Mary’s question: “how can this be?” The circumstances don’t seem right for a blessing. And yet, God can make miraculous things happen. God can bring life out of a virginal womb. God can bring life out of the tomb of a crucified man. And God can bring life to us in the midst of our particular needs and challenges.
 
I don’t know what new life God is bringing to birth right now. But I am glad to hear God’s promise to Mary as a promise to us too. God is bringing about new life, somewhere and somehow. Thanks be to God!
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