Homily: March 25: Annunciation Humility

Before the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council it was the centuries-old practice at the recitation of the Creed on Sundays and Solemnities to genuflect at the mention of incarnation of Christ.  Since Vatican II, we simply bow reverently, as we recite, “and by the power of the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.”

However, that old gesture, that gesture of genuflection at the mention of the Incarnation, which is normally reserved to the Real Presence in the Eucharist, is retained twice during the liturgical year.  First, at our Christmas celebration of the Nativity of Christ, as we celebrate his Holy Birth at Bethlehem.  And second, today, on this Feast of the Conception of Christ, when he was truly made present in the womb of the Blessed Virgin, when the Eternal Word was made flesh. 9 months from today, the length of a pregnancy, we will genuflect on Christmas day.

There is a sort of lost art to genuflection in many of our churches.  Yet, it remains an act of humility and submission— to bend the knee as an act of loyalty towards our true king.

In the recitation of the rosary, the virtue associated with the 1st joyful mystery, the annunciation is humility.  Humility abounds in that scene at the Virgins house in Nazareth.  The humility of the Blessed Virgin as the Archangel appeared to her, and as the Holy Spirit overshadowed her, cannot be fathomed, merely contemplated.  The humility of the archangel as he knelt before this human girl who would become his queen.  And the humility of the Eternal Word himself as he shed the glory of divinity to take on the burden of humanity.  As Paul says to the Phillippians, “he emptied himself, and became a slave.”

Genuflection is appropriate on this Feast, in fact, it’s the least we can do.

Today we reflect on how profoundly history has been changed as a result of Mary’s “yes” to God and we seek to imitate that blessed humility.   She humbly calls herself the handmaiden of the Lord who seeks not her own will, but the Holy Will of God.  May we imitate her in humble service today for the glory of God and salvation of souls.