The Annunciation

On March 25th, the season of Lent is momentarily interrupted as we celebrate a feast to honor the Annunciation.

The Annunciation of the Lord is a mystery that commemorates the moment when the second Divine Person of the Most Holy Trinity assumed human nature in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Thus, it is a feast of both our Lord and His mother, Mary.

Although the liturgy centers around the Mother of God, the Annunciation comes to us through tradition, a tradition which has come down from the apostolic ages. This tradition tells us that the great mystery of the Incarnation occurred on the 25th day of March. Think about it. Add nine months, and we have Christmas Day. It was at the hour of midnight when the Most Holy Virgin was alone and absorbed in prayer.

The Archangel Gabriel appeared before her and asked her, in the name of the Blessed Trinity, to become the Mother of God.

Saint Irenaeus, a bishop and martyr of the second century who received this tradition from some who were disciples of the apostles, compared Nazareth to Eden.

He writes:  "In the Garden of Delights, there is a virgin and an angel, and a conversation takes place between them.

At Nazareth, a virgin is also addressed by an angel. And she answers him. But the angel of the earthly Paradise is a spirit of darkness. And the angel of Nazareth is a spirit of light. In both moments, it is the angel that has the first word.

'Why,' said the serpent to Eve, 'hath God commanded you that you should not eat of every tree of Paradise?'

His question implies impatience and evil. He has contempt for the frail creature whom he addresses, but he hates the image of God which is upon her.

See, on the other hand, the angel of light. See with what composure and peacefulness he approaches the Virgin of Nazareth, the new Eve, and how respectfully he bows himself down before her:

'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women.'

Such language is of heaven. None but an angel could speak thus to Mary."

As Saint Irenaeus and so many of the Holy Fathers remark, the obedience of the second Eve repaired the disobedience of the first. For no sooner does the Virgin of Nazareth speak her fiat" Let it be done to me" than the eternal Son of God is present through the Holy Spirit in the chaste womb of Mary. And there He begins His human life.

This day, the 25th of March, is a solemnity. And when this feast falls during the Lenten season, our Lenten penance obligations are lifted for that one day. We should celebrate by sharing a nice meal or some special treats, as this feast day forecasts the blessed event of Christmas Day, which we always celebrate.

Saint Irenaeus, pray for us.