The Solemnity of the Incarnation of the Lord, usually celebrated on March 25, is celebrated this year on April 8.  The Angel Gabriel came to Nazareth and invited Mary to become the mother of Jesus. ”Behold the handmaid of the Lord,” she said. On this day we celebrate the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. (John 1)

This feast is celebrated by all the ancient Christian churches. The feast is closely connected to other mysteries of Christ. We celebrate Jesus conceived in Mary’s womb today. Nine months from now her pregnancy ends and we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Some ancient church calendars also saw March 25th as the day Jesus was crucified and then rose from the dead, so this feast is linked to the Easter mysteries. Some calendars also celebrate the creation of the world on March 25..

I remember a PBS special “What Darwin Never Knew” produced by Nova awhile ago. I don’t remember or understand a lot of the scientific material it contained, but its description of DNAs and embryonic development caught my attention.

According to scientists, embryos from different living beings–humans, animals, birds, fish– appear remarkably alike at their early stage of development, as if they were from the same source. Then, something triggers a different development in each species. Humans sprout arms and legs and begin human development.  Other species develop in their own way.

It’s a complex, fascinating path all living things take in their embryonic development.  The Letter to the Hebrews in today’s Mass emphasizes the bodily existence of Jesus.“ A body you prepared for me… behold, I come to do your will, O God.’’ He shares a bodily existence with all human beings and with all creatures.  All creatures journey into life. All creation is on a journey to life through Jesus Christ, the Word of God.

“The Word was made flesh.” The early Gnostics denied or depreciated the body, and so early theologian theologians, like St. Irenaeus, emphasized the bodily existence of the Word. Jesus followed the same process of development within the womb as we do and after his birth continued to develop “in wisdom and age and grace” as humans do. He faithfully followed the path of human development. 

The early theologians also said that through the body  Jesus Christ assumed all that he would redeem. In his body he took on human nature. By becoming flesh he also took to himself the created world. From the very beginning, at his conception in the womb, Jesus Christ brought all creation to himself to redeem it. 

“Blessed is the fruit of your womb,” Elizabeth says to Mary.(Luke 1,42)  The Feast of the Annunciation calls us to renew our respect for life, from its beginning to its end. It’s a time to remember Mary’s acceptance of human life and her respect for the life in her womb.

“ Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.”