Today is the second of two solemnities during Lent, the Annunciation. We celebrate the day when in the midst of prayer, the angel Gabriel appears before the Blessed Virgin Mary and announces to her the plan of God. The most amazing thing then takes place... God awaits the response of this humble 14 year old. All of creation holds its breath while Mary contemplates this request that God has made of her. God chooses to become dependent upon His creation and invites us, through Mary to collaborate with Him in the salvation of the world. Ever since this day 2021 years ago, God has continued to extend the hand of cooperation and collaboration to us His creation. He chooses again and again to invite us to choose, like Mary, to say "Yes" to His plan in our lives. Mary could not have known all that His plan would entail, yet she radically trusted. In this time of uncertainty and fear, God is inviting us to trust in Him as well. My Lord and my God, I believe... may it be also it done unto me according to your will!