The Feast of the Annunciation and the Total Eclipse of the Sun

“In diébus illis: Locútus est Dóminus ad Achaz, dicens: Pete tibi signum a Dómino, Deo tuo, in profúndum inférni, sive in excélsum supra. Et dixit Achaz: Non petam ei non tentábo Dóminum. Et dixit: Audíte ergo, domus David: Numquid parum vobis est, moléstos esse homínibus, quia molésti estis et Deo meo? Propter hoc dabit Dóminus ipse vobis signum. Ecce, Virgo concípiet et páriet fílium, et vocábitur nomen ejus Emmánuel. Butýrum et mel cómedet, ut sciat reprobáre malum et elígere bonum.” - Léctio Isaíæ Prophétæ Is 7:10-15

Many thousands have traveled, some at great expense and hardship, to “seek a sign” - the total eclipse of the sun visible today in the zone of totality. 

The reading from Isaiah, the invitation to seek a “sign” from God, is paired with the Gospel of Luke proclaimed today for the feast of the Annunciation, the moment our Lord Himself was revealed as the one Sign necessary which we need to seek, taking flesh as He did when conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary. The feast was moved this year from its regular place on the calendar of March 25th, because of Lent and Easter to today, April 8.

It is no mistake that today also, as the Moon, which represents our Lady, is briefly permitted to overshadow the sun, representing Christ, so as at the Annunciation when Our Lady’s womb encompassed our Lord and God Jesus Christ at the first moment of His Incarnation.

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and shall name Him Emmanuel.” Isaiah 7

There are no accidents. Whether or not you are able to safely, with eye protection, view the eclipse today, meditate on this great mystery of God’s infinite mercy and condescension to his creatures; His particular Divine love for each of us incarnate in Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

Todays preface of the Blessed Virgin Mary for holy Mass:

“It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God: and that we should praise and bless, and proclaim Thee, in the Feast of the Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin: Who also conceived Thine only-begotten Son by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost, and the glory of her virginity still abiding, gave forth to the world the everlasting Light, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, and the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise:

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth! Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Just as, in today’s “total” eclipse the Moon is incapable of  completely blotting out the light of the Sun, so Our Lady’s being always points to and Magnifies Her Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

Praise Him. Receive Him with renewed fervor in the Holy Eucharist. He is the sign and reality all mankind seeks.

Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us.

Jesus, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on us!