Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

It has been an interesting conversation recently how social justice has been attacked by certain entertainers and politicians.  Redistributionist, socialist and Marxist, are just a few of the epithets hurled at many of us who seek to serve the poorest in Christ's name. Perhaps one of the problems is the way we read Scripture. The Bible doesn't seem to view us as individuals as much as we may understand ourselves. When God speaks to us via the Apostles and in the Hebrew prophets, it is my understanding that the 'you' He speaks to, is most often 'us' and not a single person necessarily. He speaks to communities and cultures demanding justice for the poor.

Today, as we celebrate the Annunciation, the words of Our Lady come to mind. "He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty."

Sounds a bit redistributionist to me. ;) 

Be that as it may, today, since the Church celebrates the birth of Christ on 25th of December; it is only natural to celebrate the Annunciation nine months earlier, on 25 March.

 Luke tells us how an Angel from God (Gabriel) comes to Mary and tells her that she had been chosen to be the mother of the Christ.  Wow, that never ceases to amaze me how in those few lines how the world changes.  Mary answers the Angel,” Here I am, the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me as you have said." In that electric moment of acceptance by Mary, the Incarnation breaks into this world in a way that we just can't totally understand. The Word became flesh.

The Annunciation is some thing to remember and to remind us that Love once came and lived for us and that same Love also died for us.

The Angel of the Lord announced unto Mary.
And she conceived by the Holy Ghost.
And the Word was made flesh,
And dwelt among us.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Pour Your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the Incarnation of Your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by His cross and passion be brought to the glory of His resurrection; Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever . Amen.

Comments

[The Charismanglican]

"Sounds a bit redistributionist to me."

Love it.

Grace and peace.