Feast of the Annunciation
Reflection
The feast of the Annunciation always takes the reading from the Gospel of Luke which tells of the Angel Gabriel announcing the birth of Jesus to Mary – listen to today’s song. However, the angel also paid a visit to Joseph in a dream to stop him rejecting Mary. Angels were busy bringing the Holy Family into existence. Both Mary and Joseph managed to say ‘yes’ to the angelic calls.
How far can I see the hand of God working in my life?
How much have things happened for the good – I can even be blessed by things which appeared unfortunate at the time – we learn from our mistakes and become wiser.
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to ponder – Lectio Divina or imagine you are part of the story
Scripture
Matthew 1:18-25 NCB
The birth of Jesus Christ occurred in this way. When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they came to live together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph was a just man and did not wish to expose her to the ordeal of public disgrace; therefore, he resolved to divorce her quietly.
After he had decided to follow this course of action, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to receive Mary into your home as your wife. For this child has been conceived in her womb through the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you shall name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
ll this took place in order to fulfill what the Lord had announced through the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and give birth to a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
a name that means “God is with us.”
When Joseph rose from sleep, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him. He took Mary into his home as his wife, but he engaged in no marital relations with her until she gave birth to a son, whom he named Jesus.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came: sung by St Michael’s Singers and the Coventry Singers.