Access daily Mass readings, meditations and articles, as well as special resources, by becoming a subscriber or logging in. Subscribers: Please log in to view the Mass readings. Not a subscriber? Subscribe for only $12 (Save $4). The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son. (Isaiah 7:14) Today’s readings for the feast of the Annunciation offer a stark contrast between belief and unbelief, between trust and doubt. In our first reading, Ahaz, the king of Judah, is distressed to the breaking point by the dangers facing his kingdom. Isaiah prophesies to him, “Remain calm and do not fear” (7:4). Fine words, but Ahaz needs troops, allies—something practical. He says he will not ask for a sign because he doesn’t want to tempt God (7:12), but deep down he does not believe that God can stop the invading armies. So Isaiah asks him, “Must you . . . weary my God?” (7:13). In this, Ahaz is not alone. Starting from Genesis, the Bible provides one example after another of people failing to trust that God would take care of them. That’s how you weary God! Ahaz does not believe God can stop an army, but the Lord goes far beyond that: “The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, . . . which means ‘God is with us!’” (Isaiah 7:14; 8:10). While the immediate fulfillment of this prophecy was Ahaz’s son, the righteous King Hezekiah, God also had something even greater in mind: a pure Virgin named Mary would bear a son who is truly “God with us”! Notice how this truly awesome gift is accomplished. In contrast to Ahaz, Mary does not weary God. She responds to the angel’s announcement with faith and trust. She asks him how such a marvelous thing will happen. But when the angel says that “nothing will be impossible for God,” she simply replies, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:37, 38). We might struggle to have the same faith and trust that Mary had. But remember: God has already done the impossible for you. He has given you Emmanuel, the One who became man to save you from your sins and to be with you into eternity. Today, as you celebrate this special feast, thank God for his love and faithfulness. Then ask for the grace to trust in all his promises! “Holy Mary, teach me to place all my trust in your son!”The Annunciation of the Lord (Solemnity)
DAILY MASS READINGS AVAILABLE WITH A SUBSCRIPTION
Daily Meditation: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Psalm 40:7-11
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38