Gospel of Luke
Dear Friends,
The Gospel of Luke records the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she would bear the Messiah. Since the fifth century, the Church has commemorated the Annunciation with a feast day, and it is listed as a feast in the 1662, 1928, and 1979 Books of Common Prayer. The Feast of the Annunciation falls on March 25th, exactly nine months before the Church celebrates Christmas. Having such an important feast day fall regularly in the middle of Lent poses a bit of a liturgical conundrum, so when the Annunciation falls in Holy Week or Easter week (called Bright Week in Orthodox churches...isn't that a great name!), the Feast of the Annunciation is transferred to the first Monday after Easter Week. This year, however, we narrowly miss Holy Week which makes today a feast day. And yes, that means if you gave up chocolate for Lent, you can eat chocolate to your heart's content today.
As we know, there has been controversy throughout the centuries over the theology surrounding Mary (also known as Marian theology or Mariology). It you would like to read an interesting post on Anglican Mariology, Porter posted one on his blog a few years ago written by a colleague. You can read it here.
The Annunciation is one of the most important feasts of the Church year as it marks two major points: the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior and the response of Mary: "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."
The fact that this day falls in the middle of Lent feels like an interruption, doesn't it? Just as we look toward Holy Week, we are asked to stop and feast on something which feels at odds with the somber and reverent season of Lent. But as we find ourselves drawing ever closer to the crucifixion, we do so with the seed of hope already announced: a Savior is coming. It is on this day, as we find ourselves in the middle of Lent, that we pause to celebrate the very beginning of our salvation. As we walk this week into "Hosanna," we do so with the ashes of Ash Wednesday still within us held in tension with the beautiful good news given to Mary: a Savior is coming. For women, this day holds an important added layer: whether you are a mother of young children, a grandmother, a spiritual mother, or a young girl, you are uniquely created to bear the image of Christ, just as Mary did. But all of us, women, men, and children, serve as God's co-creators ushering in his Kingdom, our response just as Mary's: "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."
Below, please find some resources I have compiled for you to celebrate the day. The boys and I will feast with a special afternoon tea outside in the spring sunshine with extra sugar cubes for all.
May the grace and peace which was known to Mary be yours today,
Rebecca
Resources
The Collect
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.
The Lessons
