Dec 8, 2005
Gospel Lk 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “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.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “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. And behold, 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.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. I have always been attracted to artwork depicting the annunciation. I am especially fond of the artwork in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's The Cloisters. There is a richness to the visual symbology that builds on and edifies the essential message the Word. It is strong in works from a time when many did not read or had very low literacy rates. The most powerful aspect of this whole reading/event for me is the acceptance of God's will by Mary. She is a model for all Christians. The message and situation do not make sense to her but she is willing to accept what God has provided. She does ask "How can this be?" She is not a silent, unquestioning pawn but an active participant. I am praying to truly discern God's will for myself in some near future plans. I pray today for clarity of vision and an open mind and heart.
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “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.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “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. And behold, 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.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. I have always been attracted to artwork depicting the annunciation. I am especially fond of the artwork in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's The Cloisters. There is a richness to the visual symbology that builds on and edifies the essential message the Word. It is strong in works from a time when many did not read or had very low literacy rates. The most powerful aspect of this whole reading/event for me is the acceptance of God's will by Mary. She is a model for all Christians. The message and situation do not make sense to her but she is willing to accept what God has provided. She does ask "How can this be?" She is not a silent, unquestioning pawn but an active participant. I am praying to truly discern God's will for myself in some near future plans. I pray today for clarity of vision and an open mind and heart.
posted by Joan Morris at 6:06 AM
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