Solemnity of the Annunciation April 4, 2005 Scripture: Isaiah 7: 10-14, 8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38 Reflection: Mary asked the Angel, “How can this be done since I do not know man?” Once he answered her, she accepted his message and said her fiat: “Let it be done to me as you say.” Mary neither invited nor expected a visit from the Angel Gabriel. She was simply going about her day in the usual way when he appeared to her. It is the same way with us. Messages from God, or angels, come to us constantly in unexpected ways in our ordinary lives. Because we are not focused, however, we often miss them. It is important to be attentive to people and things around us, to notice what is really happening. We have to cultivate an interest in everyone and everything so that they will become our teachers. Then, little by little, we will be more open to hear what God is saying to us, and we will become more like Mary. Suggested Action: Be alert today. Begin the day by asking Mary to help you to notice what God is saying to you, and to act on that message. We have just finished remembering the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord. Therefore, you may want to notice if God is asking you to give reconciling hope to a person that you meet today. Sr. Mary Ehling, IHM New York, New York

Graphic: Sr. Josefa Connolly, IHM RIP