Among the most beautiful words recorded in Scripture are those of Our Lady at the Annunciation. Her answer to God’s invitation to freely participate in the salvation of the world was “be it done unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38, Douay-Rheims version). Mary’s humble response to the angel Gabriel’s message is a perfect expression of love and faith in God. Her free consent to God’s divine will brought to fruition God’s masterpiece of
salvation, prepared from the beginning, the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Catechism states, “The Annunciation to Mary inaugurates ‘the fullness of time,’ the time of the fulfillment of God’s promises and preparations” (CCC 484).

As March 25th (the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord) approaches, we would do well to meditate on the wonder of that angelic salutation, and the beauty of Mary’s response. As we prepare to celebrate and remember this precious moment in our Salvation history, may we imitate Mary’s obedience and love of God in our own lives, and in doing so grow ever closer to her son, Jesus.

In this lesson, students will meditate on five depictions of the Annunciation in art, and listen to a beautiful hymn to the Virgin Mary. They will then reflect on their experience, and discuss how the paintings and music affirm, celebrate, or illuminate our Holy Catholic Faith.