Daily Gospel Reflection for April 8, 2024: Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

No one jumps into a big endeavor without at least some understanding of what they are getting into. If you don’t run regularly, you won’t just decide to sign up for a half marathon next weekend. If you aren’t used to having large get togethers, you won’t want to host a baby shower or anniversary party for 100 people in your backyard. Big endeavors require training, planning, and practice.

The coming of the Messiah was a plan that had been in place since Adam and Eve’s fall in the Garden of Eden. Generations and generations of Jewish people held onto that promise. Mary lived a life faithful to God. All of the opportunities to practice following God’s will in her daily life brought her to the moment of the Annunciation. Mary’s “yes” to the angel was the momentary culmination of all the times she had said yes to God up to that point in her life. That particular “yes” began the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan for Mary’s earthly existence: to be the Mother of Jesus.

The same is true for us. While what God asks of us ranges from the simple to the dramatic, each and every one of our responses is important. All of Mary’s “little yes” responses to pray every day, keep the Sabbath holy, and love God in her family and friends helped her to be ready for the “big yes” God asked of her at the Annunciation. Because she had practiced growing close to God, Mary was ready when He asked something so life-changing of her.

Every time we say yes to God’s will in our life, His grace grows and stretches us. Each yes brings us closer to the ultimate plan God has for each of us.

Ponder:

Is there an area of my life I’m avoiding where God is waiting for my yes?

Pray:

Mary, thank you for your example of a life lived completely tuned to the will of God. Please help me to see where God is asking something of me and to receive the grace to be generous.

Click to tweet:
Every time we say yes to God’s will in our life, His grace grows and stretches us. Each yes brings us closer to the ultimate plan God has for each of us. #DailyGospel

Daily Gospel 4