Yesterday was the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord - the day on which we celebrate that amazing greeting the Angel Gabriel made to the Blessèd Virgin: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee!
What kind of greeting might this be? Our Lady was greatly troubled to receive this message, it was not something she was anticipating; it happened in secret and it would change her life and the course of humanity. Without her knowing, God had prepared her to receive this greeting, but today grace she received bears fruit in her womb when she says "be it done to me according to your Word."
The consequence of Mary's yes and her submission to the Will of God brought forth a Savior out of the very flesh that had been condemned to separation from God by our sin. God is not bound by human realities, but instead runs to meet us in His Son, conceived by the obedience of Mary at the Annunciation. Today we recall the times the Lord knocks on our door and greets us "blessed are you..." knowing that by His grace we are indeed blessed and may co-operate with His work of saving the world.
Our Lady did not know the outcome of her 'yes', but she gave it anyway. Her Faith in God was greater than her fear. This Faith welled up in her that God would hold to His promise. So it is that God is knocking on our doors at this time of great anxiety and uncertainty. He wishes to know if our response to Him is 'yes' or 'no'. Do we trust Him more than science? Do we really believe that He has the power to turn this situation around? Now is the time to run with haste to the Lord and to tell Him, 'yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ' and that He alone has the power to deliver us from all our trials and sufferings.
Even though we cannot be together as a school community at this time, Holy Mass is still being offered daily for the intentions of our students, faculty, staff and families. We are investigating some innovative ways we might be able to connect with one another - so watch this space - and take this opportunity to pray. This virus is a great trial for all of us - and God permits us to be tested in order that we be purified like gold in the fire. But remember, He alone has the power over life and death - He alone is sovereign and in Him, like Mary, we renew our Faith, "be it done to me according to your Word."
