Episode 3001: Fiat Mihi: The Annunciation - Morning Episode

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Devotion: Sorrowful
Book Recommendation of the Day
Hexaemeron: St. Basil, reflections on the six days of creation.
Fiat Mihi [fee-ah-t mee-hee] ("Let it be done to me."): The Annunciation and the Triumph of Holy Obedience
Introduction
Welcome to today’s episode, where we will delve into the sacred readings, feast days, and themes today. This day marks the great feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a moment that changed the course of salvation history. We will reflect on the significance of the Angel Gabriel’s message, the obedience of Our Lady, and how this feast calls us to true humility and trust in God’s will.

First Scripture: 4 Kings (2 Kings) 4:1-7
1 Now a certain woman of the wives of the prophets cried to Eliseus, saying: Thy servant, my husband, is dead, and thou knowest that thy servant was one that feared the Lord, and behold, the creditor is come to take away my two sons to serve him.
2 And Eliseus said to her: What wilt thou have me to do for thee? Tell me, what hast thou in thy house? And she answered: I thy handmaid have nothing in my house but a little oil, to anoint me.
3 And he said to her: Go, borrow of all thy neighbors empty vessels, not a few.
4 And go in, and shut thy door, when thou art within, with thy sons: and pour out thereof into all those vessels, and when they are full, take them away.
5 So the woman went, and shut the door upon her, and upon her sons: they brought her the vessels, and she poured in.
6 And when the vessels were full, she said to her son: Bring me yet a vessel. And he answered: I have no more. And the oil stood.
7 And she came, and told the man of God. And he said: Go, sell the oil, and pay thy creditor: and thou and thy sons live off the rest.
Reflection:
This passage shows God's providence and care for those who place their trust in Him. The widow, left destitute after her husband’s death, cries out to the prophet Eliseus (Elisha), who instructs her to act in faith. Though she has little just a small amount of oil God multiplies her resources in response to her obedience.
This miracle teaches us several lessons:
1. God provides in our distress – The widow’s financial crisis seemed hopeless, but God answered her plea through Eliseus. When we are in need, we must turn to God in faith, knowing He will provide.
2. Faith requires action – Eliseus asked the widow to act in faith by gathering vessels. Likewise, we must do our part, trusting that God will complete the work.
3. God’s generosity is limitless – The oil stopped flowing only when there were no more vessels. This shows that God’s blessings are abundant, but our ability to receive them depends on our openness to Him.

Second Scripture: Matthew 18:15-22
15 But if thy brother shall offend against thee, go, and rebuke him between thee and him alone. If he shall hear thee, thou shalt gain thy brother.
16 And if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more: that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may stand.
17 And if he will not hear them, tell the church. And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican.
18 Amen I say to you, whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven.
19 Again I say to you, that if two of you shall consent upon earth concerning anything whatsoever they shall ask, it shall be done to them by my Father who is in heaven.
20 For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
21 Then came Peter unto him and said: Lord, how often shall my brother offend against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?
22 Jesus saith to him: I say not to thee, till seven times; but till seventy times seven times.
Reflection:
This passage provides a framework for resolving conflicts among believers and highlights the necessity of forgiveness.
1. Fraternal Correction - Christ instructs us to address offenses in a charitable manner. The process of correction begins privately, then involves witnesses, and ultimately the Church if necessary. This ensures that conflicts are handled with justice and mercy.
2. Authority of the Church – Jesus affirms the Church’s role in resolving disputes, emphasizing that its authority comes from God. This underscores the importance of remaining obedient to the Church’s teachings.
3. Power of Unity in Prayer – Christ assures us that when two or more pray together in His name, He is present. This highlights the strength of communal prayer and the importance of Christian fellowship.
4. Unlimited Forgiveness – Peter asks Jesus how often he must forgive, and Jesus responds with "seventy times seven," meaning forgiveness should be boundless. Just as God forgives us repeatedly, we must extend mercy to others.
Conclusion:
These two passages, though from different parts of Scripture, share a common theme God’s abundant mercy. In 4 Kings 4, we see God’s provision in times of need, while in Matthew 18, we learn of His call for us to be merciful and forgiving. Both remind us that faith and charity go hand in hand.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your boundless mercy and providence. Teach us to trust in You in times of difficulty, just as the widow did. Give us the grace to be forgiving, as You have forgiven us. May we always seek reconciliation with our brethren and strive to live in unity with Your Holy Church. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Traditional & Historical Saints Feast Days (March 25, 2025)
• The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – The moment when the Word became Flesh in Our Lady’s womb through the power of the Holy Ghost.
• St. Dismas, the Good Thief – Honored in tradition as the repentant thief on the Cross who was promised Paradise by Our Lord. His example reminds us of the power of true contrition and God's boundless mercy.
• St. Irenaeus of Sirmium – A bishop and martyr, known for his unwavering faith under persecution.

Themes & Quotes for the Day
1. The Power of Our Lady’s Fiat
St. Bernard of Clairvaux beautifully writes:
"The world was awaiting Mary’s answer. We too kneel with longing hearts, waiting for her consent. Let it be done unto me according to thy word!"
2. The Humility of the Incarnation
St. Alphonsus de Liguori reminds us:
"God, Who is immense, makes Himself little; the Lord of the universe clothes Himself with human flesh; He, Who is inaccessible, becomes approachable."
3. The Mercy of Christ in St. Dismas’ Story
St. Augustine reflects on the Good Thief’s conversion:
"There is no sin so great that it cannot be forgiven if one turns to Christ with true contrition."