Learn more about this novena here: The Annunciation Novena.
Day 1 Reflection: The Declarative
From Praying the Angelus (pp. 63-64).
Look closely at the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. The angel speaks in declarative sentences. A declarative sentence, you might recall from your English classes, differs from imperative sentences (commands), exclamatory sentences (strong feelings), and interrogative sentences (questions). A declarative sentence simply makes a definitive statement.
The angel doesn’t express strong feelings or ask questions. He doesn’t give commands. He makes definitive statements about God’s will and his work in the world. He has not come to Mary with a request. He has come to her bearing the good news of God’s work in her life and the life of her cousin Elizabeth. He declares unto Mary.
How does God communicate with us? Is he asking us questions? Is he giving us commands or making requests?
What if, instead, God communicates his will for us in the declarative? When you think of a God who declares his will rather than requesting our response, you start to understand the power of the Incarnation. God is here. He is with us. He is active and working in the world whether we are aware of it or not. May we have the courage to let his will be done to us according to his Word.
Are you open to God’s declaration of his will in the world, or are you resistant to the destiny he is making known? Pray for the courage to accept and welcome God’s will, to let his will be done in you.
The Annunciation Novena
O most holy Virgin Mary,
to whom God sent the Angel Gabriel
to announce that you should be the mother of his only-begotten Son,
pray for us who have recourse to you.
Holy, lovely Mary,
We give our all to you
What is past and present,
And the future, too.
Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
(State your intention here . . .)
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with Thee;
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done to me according to thy word.
Hail Mary. . .
V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary. . .
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
