The Annunciation

God responds to the “groaning” of creation very concretely. Narrow your imaginative gaze from a broad perspective and focus on the details of how God saves in history: “See in particular the house and rooms of Mary, in the city of Nazareth in the province of Galilee” (SE 103).

The Grace I Seek

I pray for the following graces: a deeply felt knowledge of God’s dream for the world; awe and wonder at the mystery of the Incarnation.

Read Luke 1:26-38 (The Annunciation

26] In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

[27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

[28] And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!"

[29] But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.

[30] And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

[31] And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

[32] He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High;

and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

[33] and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever;

and of his kingdom there will be no end."

[34] And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?"

[35] And the angel said to her, "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.

[36] And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

[37] For with God nothing will be impossible."

[38] And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of the scene, when the angel Gabriel greets the young woman. Listen to their conversation. Notice the expressions on their faces and the movement of their bodies. Conclude by praying a colloquy (a conversation) with Mary.

For Reflection, listen prayerfully to Mary’s Magnificat