To honor the Solemnity of the Annunciation, which celebrates Mary’s Fiat and the Eternal Word becoming man for our redemption, I am reposting my reflection on the Annunciation which was part of a larger reflection on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.
As She sat quietly working and meditating, the Virgin Mary was suddenly visited by the angel Gabriel. He greets Her with an odd greeting, calling Her “full of grace” (Luke 1:28). Her response to this is very curious and perhaps the most poignant part of the account. She was “greatly troubled.” The degree of humility needed to not even be grateful or prideful when given such a compliment, let alone be troubled at hearing it, is massive. She understood that She was nothing without God and She didn’t want to be singled out or given any praise. Instead, She wished for God to be given the praise. Even at the end of Gabriel’s announcement, She was calm and directed Her response to the Lord: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to Thy word.” This is the kind of humility we all need in order to fulfill the missions that God has planned for us. He deserves all of the glory, not us.
- Do I look to be praised or acknowledged for the things I do for God or others?
- Do I feel happy or fulfilled when I am praised for things I do? How can I use Mary’s life as an example of how to act in humility?
“Ecce Ancilla Domini. Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.” Let us ask God to help us make these words of Mary our own.
Lumen Fidei Ministries 