Solemnity of the Annunciation

Readings of the Day

“Make it real,” is a core theme in today’s Gospel for the Feast of the Annunciation.  As the commemoration of a simple girl’s considered response, "May it be done to me according to your word," the Word became flesh—God became real and present within her body and within her care. This changed everything.

Those of us who have the honor to be of service to those who are existing in a world of pain, poverty, or abandonment also have the ability to make a real difference. But, as in the willing embrace of a situation that would clearly cause the young Mary pain and challenges, the thing that can make the caregiving real is our open presence to the person who is asking us for assistance. It isn’t easy to maintain our focus as we rush through days filled with difficult situations and demands. In fact, maintaining focus may be the hardest thing we do as we use our professional skills to “help.” 

However, it is only when we see those we serve as persons with whom we chose to be in relationship, as those whose request for assistance parallels the God’s request for assistance from young Mary, that the power of sharing changes us and changes those whom we serve. Never doubt that bread given without love brings its own poison, and never doubt that even a glass of water given with love can change a life.

Sr. Mary Louise Stubbs, DC, is Executive Director of the Daughters of Charity International Project Services.

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