The Angel Gabriel was sent by God!
Dear Family of Mary!
Today we begin our Novena for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. We will examine a line from the wonderful Annunciation story in the Gospel of Luke, and ponder the greatness of God’s love for us in sending His Son to become Man!
Day One:
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. (Luke 1:26-27)
We see how after centuries and centuries of waiting, God finally initiated His great plan for the redemption of mankind. In His most precise and carefully planned way, God waited for that perfect moment when the perfect woman was ready to be asked the most important question that any human being would ever be asked.
The Lord sent the Archangel Gabriel to Mary. A pure spirit, Gabriel, came to a pure human being, Mary. Both of them were servants of God, ready and willing to do His will. What a beautiful moment it must have been.
And we see that Joseph is very much a part of this meeting, in that he is the covering, the protector of Mary, since they were betrothed. Joseph was already in place to protect and care for Mary. This was God’s perfect plan
We must stand in awe at the precision, the power, and the wisdom that God employed when He sent Gabriel to Our Lady that day. God is capable of all things. We are blessed to be His children!
Just as God sent Gabriel to Our Lady, now He sends Our Lady to us! Let us respond to her words:
September 2, 2007 “Dear children, In this time of God’s signs, do not be afraid because I am with you. The great love of God sends me to lead you to salvation. Give me your simple hearts, purified by fasting and prayer. Only in the simplicity of your hearts is your salvation. I will be with you and lead you. Thank you.”
Let us pray:
Annunciation prayer of faith:
Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal Word,
You became Incarnate as man
in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
You, through whom the universe was created,
began your earthly course,
in the womb of a humble and chaste Virgin.
At the annunciation of this miracle,
Mary responded in faith:
“Let it be done to me according to your word.”
May we who are made new creatures by your grace,
respond with such faith, when you call us to your service. Amen
(written by David Bennett)
And for St. Joseph:
Dear St. Joseph, foster father of us all, we love you! You so faithfully stayed by the side of Mary when she gave Jesus to the world the first time. Help us now in our turn to stay faithfully by her side in Medjugorje.
Dear St. Joseph, you were always strong and resolute – in Bethlehem, in Egypt, and in Nazareth. You never wavered from the side of Mary. Help us to be strong and resolute and to never waver from her side.
Dear St. Joseph, help us to be faithful to the call of Our Lady and to witness to her presence in these days. St. Joseph, pray for us!!
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
(c)Mary TV 2021
