The month of March is a time of transition us in the life of the church. We are about to embark on our Lenten journey to the Cross, beginning with Ash Wednesday and continuing on as we meditate on Psalm 22 during our midweek services. However, Ash Wednesday is not the only significant event we note during this month. March 25th is a significant date yearly, for two primary reasons.
This quote is from one of the significant events that occurs on March 25th: “But do you remember Gandalf’s words: Even Gollum may have something yet to do? But for him, Sam, I could not have destroyed the Ring. The Quest would have been in vain, even at the bitter end. So let us forgive him! For the Quest is achieved and now all is over. I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam.”
March 25th is the Destruction of the One Ring Day! This is the canonical date of that event in Tolkien’s lore. This is also the Feast of the Annunciation in many Parts of Christian world, including us here at Zion. For Tolkien, a devout Catholic, this date is one of great significance. It has been well established since the time of the early church that March 25th is when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary all that would take place concerning Jesus and his birth, life, and salvation that he will bring. It is a special day in the life of the church because it announces the final downfall of sin, death, in the power of the devil. For Tolkien to choose this date for the destruction of the One Ring is to show the parallel between the catalysts for the downfall of the great tyrants of the respective worlds.