THE WORD BECAME FLESH

PRAYER MOMENT (It is unlikely that I will be able to prepare anything tomorrow)

Tuesday 25 March 2014. The Annunciation

THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Pause. Be present in the place where Mary is visited by the angel.

Reading: “Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus.” (Luke 4:24-30)

Reflection. It is nine months to the day before Christmas. All the human elements of God becoming one of us are present, except that the father of the child will be God. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you.”  It is the decisive moment in history and it goes unnoticed without a big bang or fireworks. Yet it changes everything forever. The Hebrew scriptures had always spoken of God’s fidelity and commitment to his people, but now we have this totally astonishing “sign.” Once God becomes one of us the victory is certain. There is no way that evil can triumph. The evil one can still prompt men and women to do terrible things and cause suffering in every corner of the planet. But from now on God is “with us” struggling against that evil. And his work expands and expands as people everywhere accept him into their hearts.

Prayer. Lord, we celebrate with joy the day of your becoming flesh for us. You give yourself to us in an incredible way. Open our hearts to receive the life that you offer us. Amen.

David Harold-Barry SJ