March 25

Readings for the Day: IS 7:10-14, 8:10, PS 40:7-11, HEB 10:4-10, LK 1:26-38 

Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. It celebrates the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary her special mission of being the mother to His only son. I like to call this the feast of “No Pressure, Mary!”

Today is a pretty big deal. Don’t believe me? Check out the Angelus. Or the Joyous mysteries of the Rosary. Today is the day God revealed to Mary her role in the salvation of the world.

But we aren’t off the hook.

The Lord wants to use us, as well. He wants our prayers, words, and deeds to draw others to eternal life. He wants us to minister to those in our circle of influence. He wants us to bring him into their world. And for most of us? Today? Our circle of influence is very small and often the last people we think about ministering to. Our families.

Hey. I get it. Families can drive each other nuts in confined spaces over a prolonged period of time. I speak from experience having grown up as the sixth of seven children in a family who used to drive cross country in our Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser Supreme station wagon complete with AAA Triptiks. During vacations, our car barely ducked below the current government-mandated maximum gathering capacity.

But as Catholics, we must – as Romans 12 puts it – “anticipate one another in showing honor.” Do not miss this opportunity.

Mary, help us to be like you. Help us to accept whatever mission God has for us. Help us to trust him.

David is the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Joy.

If you have comments or questions, send your emails to dlins@oloj.org.

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