# The Annunciation and Our Lenten Journey
*2017-03-25*

> Bill Young reflects on the Feast of the Annunciation, shares personal stories, and presents Pope Francis’ Lenten meditation, followed by prayers and the rosary.

## Welcome and a Little Observation

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today we celebrate the Annunciation—when Mary said “yes” to God’s invitation. Before we begin, I want to share a small story from my backyard. A blue jay was feeding a large white duck at my bird feeder. Each time the jay dropped a seed, the duck would eat it, look up, and seem to ask for more. I tried to photograph the moment, but the jay was gone when I returned. It reminded me that, like the duck looking up for food, we are constantly looking to God for the grace that truly nourishes our souls.

## A Blessed Bible and a Family Miracle

A few years ago I found a Bible that had been given to my aunt’s sister, Mary Teresa. Inside was a picture of the Blessed Virgin and a note that read, “When Mary said yes.” The next Sunday’s Gospel was the Annunciation, and I was struck by how God knows every “yes” we utter. This reminded me of a personal testimony: after praying the rosary for my late aunt, I felt a profound sense of joy, confirming my belief that she is in heaven. My sister Susie, who could not attend the aunt’s funeral, later shared a similar feeling. These experiences reinforce that God knows every hair on our heads and every moment we respond to His grace.

## Lenten Reflection from Pope Francis

For Friday of the third week of Lent (March 24), the Scripture reading reminds us of God’s great mercy: “How great is the mercy of the Lord!” Pope Francis likens a child who falls to a sinner who stumbles. He urges us to raise our hands to the Lord, asking Him to help us rise. Forgiveness is a gift that transforms us into new creations filled with the Holy Spirit. As forgiven sinners, we are called to share that mercy with family, friends, and all we meet. The Pope’s reflection ends with a practical question: “How might I thank God for forgiveness and share that experience with others?”

## Meditation on the Annunciation

Today, Saturday, March 25, we meditate on Luke 1:26‑38, the Angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Mary’s “Let it be done to me according to your word” is the perfect model of obedience. The angel’s message is a free gift of grace, and Mary, preserved from original sin, accepts it wholly. We are invited to listen to God’s voice, accept His will, and allow the Word to become flesh in our own lives. The thought of the day asks: “Like Mary, how can I bring God to birth within me and share that gift with others?”

## Prayer, Rosary, and Closing Blessings

We begin with the traditional prayer of trust in Providence, followed by a reminder from Matthew 6:25‑34 not to worry about food, drink, or clothing, for God cares for the birds and the lilies. Then we pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be, moving through the Joyful Mysteries—starting with the Annunciation, then the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation, and the Finding in the Temple. After the rosary, we conclude with the prayer to the Holy Spirit and a final blessing: “May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen.”

*May we, like Mary, say “yes” to God’s grace and share His mercy with everyone we meet.*