The Annunciation

John William Waterhouse: The Annunciation - 1914

Today is the celebration of the Annunciation of Mary. This event, which celebrates the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will give birth to Jesus. The timing of this celebration is another reason why I love my Catholic faith. Today is exactly nine (9) months before Christmas. This tradition of reminding us, during the year, of important events in human terms makes the reality of the event so real. This celebration is also a reminder of two important facts. First, that for God all things are possible and second, Mary's "yes" changed the world.

I have spoken to many protestants who discount Mary's active participation in this event, and suggest the incarnation would have occurred anyway. However, this proposition discounts "free will". Mary had to accept the words of the angel in order for the event to take place. That is one of the many reasons we Catholics venerate Mary as we do. She is a role model for all of us. We must all say "yes".