Homily for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Theme: The Woman
By: Fr. Benny Tuazon
(Lk. 1:26-38) Feast of the Annunciation.
In today’s Gospel the angel GABRIEL announced to Mary the Good News of the coming of the Messiah. Mary will conceive a son, Emmanuel, in the Holy Spirit. It was something new to Mary. Yet, the angel assured her that nothing is impossible with God. In faith, Mary obeyed God’s will.
The annunciation is a major event since it brought to humanity the fulfillment of God’s promise which was foretold by the prophets a long time ago. The waiting is over. God’s grace of salvation has entered history. It is interesting that God involved a woman, a discriminated sector in Jewish society. It is more interesting because it was a woman who enticed the first man, Adam, into sin. Now, a woman will pave the way for God’s intention to save humanity.
Women started as a second class and enslaved class. Society was dominated by men. A patriarchal society was prevalent in most countries. For so long, women were fighting for their rights. Even up to now, the fight continues. While it can be said that they are better treated today, more are still to be desired. Women had found a lot of men defenders and pushing for their equal rights. Celebrations in their honor are being held. Language, media, businesses, etc. are now conscious of being politically correct in dealing with women. But not when politics are involved. I had known men and some women too, who had maligned women who they believe had committed crimes but without certain proofs and only comes from a certain political position. Crimes are crimes. But justice must also prevail specially in a democratic country like ours.
We need women. Women are very important in society. They have roles to play in God’s plan of salvation. For God to have chosen a woman, Mary and the role of a mother to play a vital role in His economy of saving humanity, is a strong statement about woman which we must not underestimate nor disregard. On this feast of the annunciation let us thank God for the gift of salvation and let us thank Mary, a woman, for her gift of faith and obedience.
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE>>>>>