Holy Annunciation ping.
This is an excellent post! Thanks.
Today is the Forefeast of the Annunciation.
"Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
Today is the prelude of universal joy; let us keep the forefeast in gladness. For, behold, Gabriel cometh with fear and wonder unto the Virgin, bringing her the good tidings: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace; the Lord is with thee.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
At the great Archangel's voice, O Theotokos, the All-holy Spirit came upon thee and thou didst conceive Him that is one in essence and throne with God the Father, O Adam's recovery.
I was thinking, recently, about what a supreme gift life really is, and that that's what makes abortion so horrific. You were allowed to draw sweet Adamic breath, but you refused that gift to the child you created. May it truly be a pardonable sin, and be made manifestly so by the eternal fraternity of Gabriel.
To me, the Magnificat, and then following that, Elizabeth's greeting to Mary, represent the first two Psalms of the New Covenant.
Blessings, L.
Because the Annunciation date falls on Sunday, it will be celebrated at Masses on Monday in the Catholic Church.