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Friday, March 25, 2011

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Annunciation of the Lord


Isaiah 7:10-14
Hebrews 10:4-10
Psalm 40:7-11
Luke 1:26-38

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ho-hum?

"How can this be?" —Luke 1:34

So many astonishing things occurred at the Incarnation:

  • A virgin conceived without having sexual relations (Lk 1:35).
  • Almighty God has loved sinful humanity so much that He decided to become fully human, and took residence in the womb of a human mother.
  • The Baby conceived by Mary is Emmanuel, God-with-us, Who would save us from our sins (Mt 1:23, 21).
  • The omnipotent God did not choose a royal mother, but chose one who was poor and lacking any social status.

One of the most astonishing things about the Incarnation is the ho-hum reaction from so many people. We Christians urgently need to be recaptured by the awe and amazement of the most wonderful and mysterious news of the Annunciation. Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, became Man! If we, who are followers of the Incarnate Jesus, are not constantly amazed at this most incredibly good news, how can we expect unbelievers to respond with joy?

Be overwhelmed with Jesus, Who was conceived for you, born for you, suffered for you, died for you, and rose for you so that you could live forever with Him. Be people of the Incarnation.

Prayer:  Recapture me, O Jesus. Overshadow me with Your Holy Spirit. I am all Yours.

Promise:  "We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." —Heb 10:10

Praise:  "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: the glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love" (Jn 1:14).

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July27, 2010

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