Mary’s journey

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032525.cfm

Today is the solemnity of the annunciation of the Lord. This day is exactly nine months before Christmas. It’s the day of Jesus’s incarnation. God became man around the same time of the year that he died. Some followers in the early church believe it was the same day, March 25th. This day is recognized both as the incarnation and death of Jesus.

It was also the day that Jesus received his name and the day that his mother, Mary, found out about him and his purpose. Gabriel lets her know that she is to bear a son and that she is to name him Jesus, or Yeshua in Hebrew. Yeshua means “God saves.” His name predicts his mission. Gabriel goes on to explain that he will be great and called the Son of the Most High. He will be holy. He will be a bringer of salvation. Gabriel’s speech goes on from there to speak of his kingdom and reign. It is very clear that it’s an earthly reign in that he’ll have the throne of David and will rule over the house of Jacob, or Israel, forever. 

Mary was humble and had a simple life. While her ancestors were rulers and kings, she was not. But, she was devout in her faith. The concept of Jesus ruling must have been a shock to her. Similar to the story of David, Jesus was to come from humble beginnings as well. Gabriel concludes by saying, “Nothing is impossible for God.” For Mary, it’s at this moment that she learns that she will have a son, he will be a miracle virgin birth, he  will be holy, and he will rule over Israel forever. That’s a lot for someone to process.

She lived her life alongside Jesus as his mother. Each of those days, she lived fully and faithfully in the mystery. She did not know what the next day would bring, but she was there to witness the revelation of the divine that had grown in her womb. She raised him with Joseph. She took care of him in his time of need. She was present for his ministry. After thirty-three years since the annunciation, she was at Golgotha witnessing her baby boy process to the cross to be crucified.

Mary, the mother of God, remained with him through it all. She is the mother of Jesus, the bringer of our salvation.