MARY, OUR MOTHER

THE ANNUNCIATION

THE HANDMAID OF THE LORD

1. Mary's Answer.

Picture that scene at Nazareth and in spirit watch it from close quarters. The angel has already ended his embassy. His mission is over; he keeps silent. He awaits Mary's answer. Look at the whole of creation. Look at God Himself at this solemn moment. What a moving scene! Draw close to Mary and beg Her not to delay her answer. Tell Her that all the unfortunate children of Eve, all of us, born slaves of sin, are eagerly awaiting Her word of redemption and of grace. Tell Her that the whole world and the very heavens themselves are in suspense while waiting Her answer.

And then the silence is broken. Mary speaks. The Angel trembles with emotion. From Mary prostrate on the ground from the bottom of Her soul spring these simple and sublime words Behold the Handmaid of the Lord! Now the Angel is troubled. With all his angelic intelligence, he fails to comprehend her great humility, her great sanctity. The Queen of queens, the Mistress of Heaven and earth, the One Blessed amongst women, a slave, a handmaid! Yes, she accepts that state, she avows it unashamedly. She does not try to conceal it. She proclaims it in the face of the whole world, and stresses this truth so that all may know that, for all Her greatness, she is and always has been the handmaid of the Lord. Try to penetrate the heart of God Himself. What would God on hearing these words feel in the face of this adorable behavior? If God fills the humble and the poor spirit with His blessings what will not He do with this little Handmaid of His? How readily He will respond: "So Thou art My Handmaid, then I make Thee My Queen." He would instantly order all the angels of Heaven to render obeisance to Her. Do you also the same. Adore the immense greatness amidst such profound humility.

[Excerpted from 'MARIAN MEDITATIONS' Book by Rev. Dr. Ildefonso R. Villar, Salesian Philippine Province, Nihil Obstat; Imprimatur]