By Father Andrew Kelly
The believing community is gathered for the Word, body and blood. As in Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 1:26-38) “the angel Gabriel was sent by God” to the community. What Gabriel announced to Mary, Gabriel announces to the community. Mary’s response becomes the community’s response.
Gabriel speaks: “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” The community is as perplexed as Mary and ponders the greeting.
Gabriel explains. The community is not to be afraid. God has found favor with the community and today will give flesh and blood to “the Son of the Most High,” who the community will name Jesus (God saves).
The community responds: “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” Gabriel tells how: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you … For nothing will be impossible with God.”
The community listens to God’s word as Mary listened and then consumes the body and blood of “the Son of the Most High.”
Mary responds for the community: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
Gabriel departs and the community goes forth in peace to love and serve the Lord.
(Father Andrew Kelly is pastor of St. Mary Parish in Mechanicsville.)
