The Annunciation, Mary’s Yes Fulfills God’s Plan of Redemption – Mar 25 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Mar 25, 2026, celebrating the Annunciation by highlighting Mary's transformative "yes" to God that enabled the Incarnation, salvation history from Christmas to Easter, and urging listeners to emulate her total trust and daily fiat amid Lenten joy.

In his homily on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Fr. Joseph Michael explains how Mary's "yes" to the angel Gabriel changed human history by allowing God to become man through Jesus in her womb, the first tabernacle. This yes led to the joys of Christmas and Easter, the sorrows of Good Friday, and our ability to receive Jesus in Holy Communion today. Even in Lent, this feast reminds us of God's hidden, loving plan. Like Mary, who trusted God fully—even at the cross—we should say yes to Him daily, letting Him work in our lives to bring joy, fidelity, and change to the world.

Luke 1:38 (USCCB) – Mary's fiat to angel – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?38
John 1:14 (USCCB) – Word became flesh Incarnation – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/1?14
Catechism 461 – Hypostatic union explained – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/461.htm
Catechism 484 – Annunciation heralds redemption – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/484.htm

00:00 - Introduction to the Solemnity of the Annunciation
00:43 - The Significance of Mary’s Fiat
01:32 - Mary’s Yes and the Incarnation
02:04 - Trusting in God’s Hidden Plan
02:51 - Our Call to Say Yes to God
03:34 - Finding Joy and Love in the Lenten Season

Ave Maria!

Mass: Annunciation of the Lord - Solemnity - http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01541c.htm
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032526.cfm
1st: Isaiah 10-14, 8:10
Resp: Psalms 40:7-11
2nd: Hebrews 10:4-10
Gsp: Luke 1:26-38

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1050

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaoXm4sVIuw