The Annnunciation

The angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin's name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her,

"Do not be afraid, Mary,

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation. 

It is great to be a Catholic.  As Catholics, we have the joy of knowing Mary, the Mother of Jesus and we can love her and we just know that she hears us as a mother hears a child and will never fail to pass our prayers to Jesus.  We don't worry that Jesus will feel offended or slighted because we pray to His Mother because He loves His mother too.  

The Angel Gabriel came to Mary and what is the first thing he says to her?  "Hail Mary, Full of Grace."  Gabriel did not bring and instill any grace into Mary, her soul was already full of grace.  From the day of her conception in the womb, through a special act of God, she was preserved from the stain of original sin.  So, her whole being was turned towards God and she was prepared to give her all in the service of the Lord.  From this moment on, Mary became the first Christian.  She believed what the angel told her about the child she was now carrying.  And she humbly accepted the mission God gave to her.  

This is why we love Mary so much.  She is the example of how we are to serve God, with our whole heart, our whole soul, our whole being, giving over our very life if that is going to be what it takes.   It is so good to be a Catholic and to have such a great friend as Mary.  As adopted sons and daughters of Christ, she is our Mother too!  Praise God and his Infinite Goodness for giving us such as gift as Mary. 

The Mother of God, Mary, has a tender spot in her heart for the Poor Souls in Purgatory.  She brings them aid and comfort and she shows herself to be a true friend.  Please, imitate our mother and care for these poor souls by praying for them.  An Our Father, Hail Mary, and a Glory Be is like a cool drink on a hot day for them.  Refresh them, show them that you care.  Remember friend, as they are someday you might be.