Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Knowing our weaknesses and limitations, the Church compassionately offers us, even in the midst of our Lenten sacrifices, opportunities to celebrate. Tomorrow’s Solemnity of the Annunciation is one such time. If we go to Mass, we’ll even hear the Gloria. Celebrated nine months prior to Christmas, the Annunciation marks the day of Mary’s great fiat, her “yes” to the request that she would bear our Lord and Savior. I briefly reflected on this moment earlier this month, but it now seems fitting that we should focus more precisely on the power of words.
There is no word more powerful than Jesus Himself, the Word Incarnate. St. John begins his Gospel with a reflection on this mystery: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” St. John goes on to explain how “through him, all things came to be.” The Catechism expounds upon this understanding by stating, “Through all the words of Sacred Scripture, God speaks only one single Word, his one Utterance in whom he expresses himself completely” (CCC, 102).
At the Annunciation, the Word was truly made flesh and began dwelling among us. That Word required, and continues to require, a response.
When Mary responded by giving her fiat to the angel Gabriel, the whole world caught a glimpse of her loving and trusting submission to God’s will, to His word. “Be it done unto me according to thy word.” From the moment of the Incarnation, Jesus, the Word, serves as the singular focus of Mary’s mission. Just as at the wedding in Cana, Mary shows us – through her own words and example – the blessings that follow whenever we “do whatever He tells” us.
Lent is a time for us to reflect on how we respond to God’s Word. How generously do we respond to the call that the Lord uniquely addresses to each of us? Do our words echo the self-emptying of Jesus and the obedience of Mary, or do they tear others down? Are we true to our word? Are we aware of the impact that our words can have?
Tomorrow, as the Church reflects on the Word made flesh, perhaps we can also reflect on our own words, and how we can use them to build up one another and to respond, when our Lord calls, in the same manner as our Blessed Mother, “according to thy word.”
In the meantime, let us be sure to thank the Lord for the many ways that he makes his will known to us. I’m particularly mindful of that today, as I mark the 9th anniversary of the announcement of my nomination as Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. I’ll always be grateful to Pope Francis for this appointment, and for making the Lord’s will known to me. As we celebrate the Annunciation, please join me in praying that I might be able to respond with Mary’s fidelity and humility, and that I might choose my words wisely and well, in a way that builds up this local church.
Watch now: Teaching Mass, episodes 3 and 4
Why are the Psalms called "a gymnasium for the soul" by St. Ambrose? Find insights into the Liturgy of the Word in episode 3 of the Teaching Mass series.
When we place our gifts in the offertory in gratitude, do we also offer our very selves? Explore how God uses these offerings to aid in our salvation in episode 4 of the Teaching Mass series.
Monsignor James Shea, president of University of Mary, will be presenting a formative lecture and Lenten meditation in company with St. John Henry Newman. Join for this event hosted by UST’s Center for Catholic Studies and the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Come and reflect on the Upper Room. The Upper Room – a place of prayer and miracles, a gathering place where Jesus instituted and gave us the Eucharist. It is here that Jesus invites Thomas to touch his wounds and believe, It is the gathering place of the Disciples as they wondered what was next and awaited the Holy Spirit.
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Visit Practicing Catholic to listen on your favorite podcasting platform. Listen Friday at 9 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m., or Sunday at 2 p.m. on Relevant Radio 1330AM.
"What is St. Paul VI saying? There would never have been a first evangelization without a first Pentecost; neither can there be a new evangelization without a new Pentecost. Only the fire of the Spirit can overcome our fears and weaknesses. We saw this most clearly with Peter and the Apostles."
In the more than two years since Archbishop Hebda released this pastoral letter, our shepherd has continued to pay attention to how the Holy Spirit is moving in this archdiocese today. We’re preparing to experience the "fire of the Spirit" through Synod 2025. Learn more and watch for updates in future issues!
In the more than two years since Archbishop Hebda released this pastoral letter, our shepherd has continued to pay attention to how the Holy Spirit is moving in this archdiocese today. We’re preparing to experience the "fire of the Spirit" through Synod 2025. Learn more and watch for updates in future issues!
Sent forth by the Holy Spirit to make Jesus known and loved.
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March 21, 2025