The Annunciation to Mary: Luke 1:26-38
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
What an amazing day this has been! I arrived at Mary’s house in the mid-morning. The day was calm and warm, a perfect Israeli day. We were preparing some things to sell at the craft market. The money helps some beggars who sit daily at the city gates.
I felt a strange excitement about the day. I hadn’t seen Mary for a few weeks.
It was good to chat with Mary as we snacked on some fruit and a jug of water from the well.
Presently, I became aware of something strange. I look at Mary. She gives me a quizzical look… There is a presence, almost tangible, filling us both with apprehension. Now I feel that I am a witness to something strange and sacred. I look at Mary. She is alert, listening to the presence in the room.
I hear the angel praise her, and notice her usual humility. So I am not the only one who knows Mary’s holiness!
Having reassured her, the presence (is it an angel?) goes on… Am I hearing right? Mary is to become a mother!
Her child will be the Messiah!
Will she say ‘Yes’?
I am frozen to the spot. And I am witness to all of this, so that when Mary says to me later on, ‘Did this really happen to me?’ I can say, ‘Yes, it did!’
I am not surprised that Mary says ‘Yes.’
The presence fades. We are alone in the room, with the sunshining brightly through the window, and a bird singing triumphantly in the tree outside.
We look at each other in stunned silence, then, overwhelmed with emotion, we hug each other and promise to be there for each other in the days and months ahead.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Six months later, Gabriel appears to Mary, engaged to Joseph.
· Imagine the house where Mary is. What is she doing? Is anyone with her? What time of day is it?
Gabriel greets Mary as ‘highly favoured of God’.
· How does Mary react to this?
· How do I react to complements?
· How do I react to criticism?
Mary finds the greeting disturbing. But the angel reassures her.
· When I am disturbed by things that are said of me, how do I react?
· Do I take this to God in prayer?
The angel announces Mary’s pregnancy. As Mary is a virgin, she needs to know where this message is coming from. She asks for clarification.
· When I am called to act in a particular way, do I take the time to discern the matter in prayer?
· Or do I rush into a decision that I may regret later?
The angel describes the mission and status of Mary’s future son. Recognising God’s plan in all of this, Mary accepts simply. She does not claim any honour or privileges for herself. She is ‘the handmaid of the Lord’.
· How do I respond to praise? ‘Not to us, O Lord, but to your name be the glory’.
The angel tells Mary of the pregnancy of her cousin Elizabeth. Mary’s response is to prepare to visit Elizabeth, whom she realises will need support at this time of her life.
· ‘Never see a need without doing something about it.’ (Mary McKillop)
· How do I respond to the needs of others? Family? Friends? The poor and marginalised, both here and abroad?
· How can I help to make a difference?