The Season of Lent is punctuated with some beautiful major feast days known as "Solemnities". Last week St Joseph, this week the Solemnity of the Annunciation. The literal meaning of the the word annunciation is the act of announcing something. We normally only think of the Annunciation to Our Lady, however there are a number of them to be found in the gospels. Others include the annunciation by the angel about conception of John the Baptist to his father Zachariah; the dream of St Joseph where the announces to him the facts of the incarnation of Jesus; and the annunciation of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. All examples of God speaking through his messengers. The greatest annunciation is the life and teaching of Jesus where he announces, among other things, that he has come to bring good news to the poor, sight to the blind and liberty to captives. 

What about us? How do we encounter God's message in our lives? How attentive are we to the voice of God? In the Bible we see that God comes to his people in many ways, through his messengers, the angels; sometimes directly, as we see in with Moses and the burning bush. But most of the time God is heard in times of quietness and silence, where He gently whispers in our hearts and souls. All he asks is that we create time and space for this. He asks rather than commands, it really is up to us how we respond.

Every day consciously try to make a little space for God in quiet stillness, listen for him with the "ears of your heart". Directly invite the Holy Spirit to be with you and to guide you with His inspiration, after all you have received the gifts of the Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation. Do not be afraid to use them in the life of faith.

As always, be assured of my prayers for you and your intentions. 

With my sincere best wishes for the week ahead.

Fr Chris