Vigils Reading – Annunciation of the Lord

April 8

THIS KIND WORD

From a sermon by Blessed Guerric of Igny2

◊◊◊

It is indeed a kind word, a reliable word in which you can believe, this

gospel of our salvation which the angel sent by God announced to Mary on this

day. It is a joyful word which day utters unto day, the angel to the virgin,

concerning the incarnation of the Word. It promises a son to the Virgin, and at

the same time pardon to sinners, redemption to captives, release to the

imprisoned, life to those in the grave. In foretelling the Son’s kingdom and

announcing the glory of the righteous, it makes hell fearful and gives joy to

heaven. By the revelation of these mysteries and by the new joys it brings them,

it seems to have increased the perfection of the angels.

Is there an afflicted person who would not be cheered by this kind word,

or anyone whose lowliness it would not console? Remember your word to your

servant by which you gave me hope, sang David. It was this which consoled

me when I was brought low. He received only a promise, a word which did not

show any sign of coming true. The delay in the fulfillment of his desire

distressed him, but he took comfort by hoping firmly in the good faith of the

one who had made the promise. If David could sustain his spirit with just the

hope of the salvation which was being kept for us, with what joy and delight

ought we not to greet its realization?

Blessed are the mourners because they will be comforted, blessed those

whose hearts are afflicted by a holy grief because they shall be gladdened by a

kind word. Clearly the kind word which consoles is your all-powerful Word, O

Lord, which came today from the heavenly throne into the womb of a virgin.

There, too, he made a royal throne, and from there he consoles those who

mourn on earth even while he sits as king surrounded by the hosts of angels in

heaven.

2 A Word in Season – vol/ IV – Augustinian Press p 1991 – pg 52.5