Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today is the feast of the Annunciation, one of the principal celebrations of the Church, in which we commemorate the archangel Gabriel’s appearance and message to the Virgin Mary: And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus." Luke 1:28-31
In one small moment, the salvation of the entire span of history began. One brave young woman had the courage and faith to say “yes” to God’s plan. We are reminded of this moment each time we look upon the altar of St. Mary’s and see the magnificent bas relief carving by Bertram Goodhue at the center of the reredos. Her daily prayers interrupted, the Mary turns to see and hear her angelic visitor’s invitation, which will change the course of history.
"We beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts, that we who have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought unto the glory of his resurrection; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen." BCP 188
Holy Week begins this Sunday, when we celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, quickly followed by the agony of the Passion that he was about to endure. We have a full schedule of services this year that are available both in-person and online, culminating with a Festive Easter Eucharist on Sunday, April 4th. All are welcome to join us.
Blessings,
Father Rick
917.658.6314
