Mary is front and center today as we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation.   Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you.”  These words of the angel Gabriel speak to the highly exalted one who was born without original sin so that we might become the worthy vessel for the Incarnation.  Mary was chosen by God and kept safe from sin so that could be the Mother of God, the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of the Church.   Mary was given to each of us and to the Church at the foot of the Cross, the final gift offered by Jesus in addition to his redeeming sacrifice on the Cross.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Mary is the most perfect disciple of Jesus because of her obedience and trust in God’s Word.  “How blessed is she who believed that God’s promises to her would be fulfilled.”  We look to Mary as come to these final days of our Lenten journey.    We hear those words Mary spoke, her fiat, “let it be done to me according to your Word.”  Mary had a choice in her humanity and she choose obedience.  She chose love and service.   She chose trust and hope.   Mary was spared no suffering and her suffering was great.  But never for a moment did she doubt God’s saving love and grace lifting her up and giving her strength to be faithful.    May the intercession of our Lady fill us with that same hope and strength in the face of our daily crosses, the disappointments and trials of lie.   Each day we must echo Mary’s words of faith:  Let it be done to me, O God, according to your word.”  These words will lead to our eternal salvation.

Prayer:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.  Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.  O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.  Amen.

Action:  
Pray a decade of the rosary today asking that Mary will lead you more deeply into the heart of her Son.