March 25, 2025 Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Daily Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation, a sacred moment when heaven touches earth and God’s eternal plan of salvation takes a decisive turn. The readings today beautifully reveal God’s initiative, humanity’s response, and the fulfillment of His divine promise.
In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah declares, “The Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall name him Emmanuel.” This prophecy, spoken centuries before Christ’s birth, was God’s promise that He would be with His people. Yet, when Ahaz was invited to trust in God’s sign, he hesitated. This hesitation mirrors our own struggles in faith. It suggests that we, too, often resist God’s plans because they do not align with our expectations.
The second reading from Hebrews reminds us that God’s will is greater than any human effort: “It is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.” This passage highlights the insufficiency of the old covenant sacrifices and introduces Jesus as the perfect offering who accomplishes our redemption. Christ enters the world with a profound declaration: “Behold, I have come to do your will, O God.” These words reveal the heart of Jesus’ mission—His complete surrender to the Father’s plan. This obedience begins at the very moment of the Annunciation, when He takes flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary.
In the Gospel, we witness one of the most extraordinary moments in history. The angel Gabriel appears to a young woman in Nazareth with a message beyond human understanding: “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” Mary, though troubled and uncertain, listens attentively. She does not reject the angel’s words, nor does she demand signs or explanations. Instead, she responds with the greatest act of faith: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” Where Ahaz hesitated to believe in God’s sign, Mary surrenders completely, allowing God to work through her. This act of faith changes the course of human history. The Word becomes flesh, and salvation enters the world. Do we surrender to His will, or do we resist because His plans do not match our expectations?
Mary teaches us that true faith requires openness to God’s unexpected ways. Her journey was not without suffering—she would face misunderstanding, hardship, and ultimately, the pain of seeing her Son on the cross. Yet, she never wavered in her trust. She reminds us that saying ‘yes’ to God does not mean a life free from difficulties, but it does mean a life filled with His presence and grace.
Today, God invites each of us to renew our ‘yes’ to Him. In our struggles, uncertainties, and moments of feeling unworthy, He calls us to trust. He assures us, as the angel assured Mary, “Do not be afraid.” As we celebrate this great feast, let us open our hearts to God’s plan. May we, like Mary, respond with faith and courage: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” And may our ‘yes’ allow Christ to enter anew into our lives and our world.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: Just as Mary brought Christ into the world, we are called to bring His love to others. Be a witness of faith in your family, workplace, and community.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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