Today’s antiphon, O Clavis David (O Key of David): O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! (Isaiah 9:6; 22:22)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 1:26-38)
“He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
The angel Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary to announce that she will conceive the Son of God. In the Annunciation, he describes Jesus as great, the Son of the Most High, and that he will inherit the throne of David and reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will have no end. Seeing that Mary is troubled, the angel says to her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” He tells her that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and the power of the Most High will overshadow her in the conception. Over any plans Mary could have made for her life, God’s will for Mary is that she fulfills his promises to all of humanity through the birth of Jesus. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Mary says yes.
God, help me realize throughout the day that my role in doing your will has Mary as a perfect example. It is to say yes to you. Help me have the conviction that just as with Mary, the Holy Spirit comes at my consent with overshadowing love. In order for me to say yes, I need an attentiveness to faith that listens out for you in the thrum and turmoil of the day. The psalmist prays, “Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.” And you do enter with superabundant love, as when Gabriel reveals that Elizabeth would bear a son who would prepare the way of Jesus. Make clear to me your love, Lord, your desire to enter.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.