Good News for Mary
The Angel Gabriel Appears to Mary
In the Bible, the story of the Annunciation is found in the Gospel of Luke. It is the announcement made by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, who would be the Son of God. Mary was most likely a teenager at the time, living in the town of Nazareth in Galilee. Gabriel’s visitation was unexpected and miraculous. As a devout Jewess, Mary would have been aware of the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, that a virgin would give birth to a child, and she might have been hoping that she would be chosen for this special task. It is hard for us to imagine what it must have been like for Mary to hear the angel saying that she would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit, and that her child would rule over an eternal kingdom.
Mary’s Response to the Angel
When Gabriel tells Mary that she is highly favored by God and that the Lord is with her, she is greatly troubled by these words. Mary is a humble and modest young woman, and she is not sure what to make of Gabriel’s message. Nonetheless, she listens carefully as the angel explains what will happen to her. After Gabriel speaks, Mary asks how this can be, since she is a virgin. Gabriel assures her that it will be a miracle, and that the child she will bear will be called the Son of God. Mary then responds with faith and obedience, saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” Mary’s response is a model of faithfulness and submission to God’s will.
The Significance of the Annunciation
The story of the Annunciation is important for several reasons. First, it reveals God’s plan for salvation, which is centered on Jesus Christ. Mary’s willingness to be the mother of Jesus is a key part of this plan. Second, it shows us how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Mary was young, poor, and relatively unknown, but God chose her to play a special role in his plan of salvation. Third, it demonstrates the importance of faith and obedience in our relationship with God. Mary had no idea what lay ahead of her when she said yes to God’s plan, but she trusted that he would take care of her and guide her every step of the way. Finally, the Annunciation teaches us about the power of prayer. Mary’s humble and faithful response to God’s call was probably the result of a lifetime of prayer and devotion to God. As we contemplate the miracle of the Annunciation, let us pray for the grace to imitate Mary’s faith and surrender to God’s will in our own lives.
