Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 / Hebrews 10:4-10 / Luke 1:26-38
Today's feast is commonly called "The Annunciation", though the full title is "The Annunciation of the Lord".
The word "annunciation" is not often used in common language, but it is a word that has a formal meaning.
It is used to announce a set of rules applying to the relationships between states, and so it has a political meaning.
In its Biblical meaning, the Annunciation of the Lord points to God's announcement of His plan of salvation to Mary through the angel Gabriel.
So it is obvious, and it also reminds us, that it is God who made the first step to save us from our sins.
It also reminds us that God went all out to save us by sending His only Son to come into the world and to take on human nature.
As much as God did all He could, He could only wait for our response to His saving love.
Mary responded to God's call to be a part of His plan of salvation.
May we too respond like Mary, so that through us, God's saving love will be announced to the world.