The Great Overshadowing

Kathryn Swegart ponders the correlations between the April 8 solar eclipse and the celebration of the Annunciation of the Lord.

Yesterday the northern ranges of our nation had a rare chance to experience a total solar eclipse. Businesses capitalized on the celestial phenomenon. Delta Airlines offered a one-way flight from Austin, Texas to Detroit for $1,129. Watch parties were planned, generating business for the hospitality industry. Plastic solar eclipse-viewing glasses cost $28.95. So, it was a big deal considering that the next total solar eclipse will not appear until 2044. To the credit of Delta, they humbly admitted they had no control over weather changes. 

Many Catholics understood April 8 in a different way. The Church celebrated the Annunciation of the Lord on April 8 rather than the traditional March 25, nine months before Christmas. Why? Easter came early this year, on March 31. That put March 25 smack at the beginning of Holy Week. The Church chose to move the celebration of the Annunciation to April 8, probably because it was the first day outside the Octave of Easter. I will wager a guess they did not know that a solar eclipse would pass over the earth on that day. What profound symbolism to have the Annunciation on the day of a total solar eclipse!  

The moon is often used as a symbol of Our Lady. Just like moonlight is reflected light from the sun, Mary reflects Jesus, the Light of the World. We can add even more significance to the eclipse. 

On April 8, the moon slid between the sun and earth. From our earthly perspective, we see our moon overshadow the sun. Imagine the moment when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced that she was to be the mother of God. Her magnificent fiat triggered the Incarnation. The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary.  

No human being witnessed the Annunciation. No human being could look at the solar eclipse for fear of eye damage. 

God speaks to us in creation. At springtime, tulips burst out of the dark earth. Raindrops shower a thirsty earth. Blossoms bend toward the sun. 

Perhaps God reminded us on April 8 that the Annunciation was a true historical event, as real as the moon overshadowing the sun. 

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Copyright 2024 Kathryn Swegart
Images: Canva