Salvation is at hand!

Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord's Birth (March 25th). We recall today the moment when the angel Gabriel was sent by God to the Virgin Mary to announce to her that she will become the Mother of Jesus. And the readings of today speak so well about the importance of this Solemnity in our lives as Christians. We are being reminded by the Church that although sin entered the world through a man (Adam), salvation also came into the world through one Man -- Christ Jesus -- both human and divine.

And Jesus was brought forth into the world through Mary. It was through Mary that Jesus took the human form of flesh and blood, the flesh that he will offer to the Father and the blood that he will pour out on the Cross for the salvation of humanity. It is important then to appreciate the role of our Lady in the economy of salvation -- the Virgin that brought God forth into the world.

So as we celebrate this wonderful solemnity, it might be helful if we ask ourselves "who are the 'Maries' (Mary) of our lives who bring forth good news and life to us?" And let us thank the Lord for sending such wonderful persons in our lives.