March 25. The Annunciation.  Pearl shared some of her insights with the others on the feast of the Annunciation.   “Mary, a young girl, betrothed to be married, had her life completely turned upside down by the invitation she received through the angel Gabriel to be the mother of the Messiah. She rightly questioned the angel, asking how this could be possible, but her ‘yes’ to God was unconditional.   From that moment on she devoted her life totally to her Son.   

This was an unplanned pregnancy and at that time could have been as problematical as it has been for many other young women until our day, as according to custom she could have been killed. Joseph although challenged at first also responded positively to God’s request in a dream, and accepted and treasured Mary as his wife and Jesus as his son.  Unwed mothers in different cultures have had very difficult experiences, as was recently reported in Ireland where they and their babies were badly mistreated in institutions, because of the judgmental attitudes of the Church, the community and their families.  Today, abortion is too commonly chosen as a solution and social and family support for the right to life of unborn babies should always be available and supported. (Also see JOSEPH AND MARY – FAMILY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER on www.marfam.org.za )

Scripture. “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.” From Luke 1:26-382.

Pope Francis: The Church has been present for centuries throughout the world.  All things human are our concern wherever the councils of nations come together to establish the rights and duties of man, we are honoured to take our place among them. This journey of fraternity also has a Mother, whose name is Mary.  Having received universal motherhood at the foot of the cross she cares not only for Jesus but also for the rest of her children. She wants to give birth to a new world, where all of us are brothers and sisters.  FT 278. 

Reflect, share, act, pray. How can our family support the right to life from birth until natural death for humans as well as conservation of wild life projects?