Gabriel’s news
Gospel: Lk 1:26-38
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120924.cfm
Today’s gospel, often referred to as the Annunciation, shares the encounter between Mary and the angel Gabriel. I often read this story from the perspective of Mary, but there is also beauty from Gabriel’s perspective. If it is his job to share this good news to Mary and he has a sense of what is to come to include the significant role that Mary is going to play, he’s very excited about the encounter. Thus, he speaks, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
To his surprise, Mary isn’t exuberant about the greeting, but responds with hesitancy and fear. Gabriel then calms down a bit to share his news as well as explain his excitement as he says, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David, his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end."
Mary in turn inquires how it can all be possible, so Gabriel explains, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” He doesn’t stop there though. He offers additional consolation for her uncertainty about the news as he says, “Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God."
Nothing will be impossible for God. That’s a lot to take in for Mary. It’s a crucible moment with a lot of uncertainty about what the future holds. When God does the impossible, who knows how others will respond or what is yet to come. The world is open to endless possibilities if she can’t take for granted what she believed couldn’t be done. Her response after her initial shock and additional inquiry is so astounding; she humbly accepts her place in the unfolding story and puts her trust in God that it will all be done according to God’s will. She says, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."
May we too, find the courage and faith to respond to God’s call as Mary did. Amen.
