FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION, Is. 7:10-14, Ps. 45; Heb 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38
Reading: Isaiah 58:5
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?"
It is not totally out of character on this Feast of the Annunciation to talk about almsgiving, or acts of justice, or acts of compassion, one of the disciplines of Lent. Mary's great hymn of praise, the Magnificat (pronounced not at the Annunciation, but, rather, at the Visitation to Elizabeth…), has at its center the raising up of those of low degree. "Those of low degree" can include any one of us at any time as well as the stranger. Those who are in poverty as well as those who are in a state of spiritual impoverishment. Those who who are homeless as well as those who are seeking, seeking, seeking. Those on the brink of despair as well as those of "low degree" known only to God. There is no "they." During Lent, may the taking on of these disciplines of fasting, prayer, and acts of compassion awaken us to the Christs we meet each day and all those in need of assistance, both friend and stranger.
Loving God, may our hearts be open to all whom we encounter in life. Amen
SPEAK TO SOMEONE AT CHURCH YOU’VE NEVER SPOKEN TO BEFORE.
IF YOU HAVE FASTED FOR SOME MEALS DURING LENT, DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH THE MONEY SAVED.
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