Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord March 25, 2004 Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38 Reflection: I drive across the mountains and through the cold shadows of the late afternoon. My companion, found outside the left window, is the descending sun. We can long gaze upon each other. As I traverse the miles, I muse upon the encounter of Gabriel and Mary. What was that singular exchange like for the faithful teenager? Are there words for this experience? Through her assent, the Word was formed and born among humanity. The ominous sky erupts with a swirling snow squall. I look for the vague markings of the roadway. The silver orb slips behind the mountain ridge. The light fades on this day known as the Winter Solstice. I am left in the encroaching darkness with hope and expectation for the coming of the Word in my life journey. “Let it be done,” young Mary said. With that the angel left her. She then lived with anticipation of the emerging Word. Suggested Action: 1. Find an occasion to cultivate the faith experience and commitment of another. 2. Read the struggle of an adult reflecting on his adolescent experience of evil and its challenge to faith in Night by nobel laureate, Elie Wiesel. Sr. Nancy Kilmer, IHM Ossining, New York