Deacon Edward Gomez, Diocese of Tucson, provides our reflection for March 25.
Feast of the Annunciation
Gospel of Luke, 1:26-38
It has been 29 days since Ash Wednesday. On that day we received ashes and were told by the priest or deacon, “Repent and believe in the Gospel”. We accepted these words and embarked on our Lenten journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We promised to use our time to accomplish these goals. Are we still as committed as on Ash Wednesday?
Today’s Gospel tells us about Mary’s response to the Archangel Gabriel, when she is told she is to be the Mother of the Son of God. I am sure many questions came to her mind but she did not hesitate in her answer, “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done according to your word”. There is no hesitation. Mary does not say I will give you an answer next week. In this season of Lent do we readily accept the three aspects of Lent of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. Do we do this in secret as the Gospel tells us.
This season of Lent let us abandon ourselves to God. I leave you with this prayer.
Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me as you will, for whatever you do I thank you. I am ready for all. I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, as in all your creatures, I ask nothing else, My Lord, into your hands I commend my soul; I give it to you with the love of my heart, for I love you and so need to give myself to surrender myself into your hands with a trust beyond all measure, because you are my Father.
AMEN
Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
Western USA Lieutenancy
Deus Lo Vult!
Join us in prayer!
We encourage you to join us as we recite the Holy Rosary every night at 8PM!
Resources for those not able to attend Mass
Daily Readings in English and Spanish from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/index.cfm?utm_source=google-adwords&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=catholicbible&utm_campaign=NABRE
Prayers, readings for Mass, and additional spiritual readings are available at:
Magnificat publication, a spiritual guide that includes daily Mass: https://us.magnificat.net/free
“Give Us This Day” a digital file of their periodical, which includes daily Mass texts. Visit GUTD.net and select “Digital” in the upper right of the screen.