“I am the servant of the Lord.”
A Gospel Enquiry
Introduction
When Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, they affirm their belief that Mary was conceived free of original sin. In his poem The Virgin, William Wordsworth (1770-1850) refers to her as “tainted nature’s solitary boast.” The reflection that must have happened in the evangelist Luke’s community focused on what happened because Mary had been filled with God’s grace from the moment of her conception. Her encounter with God’s messenger highlights the relationship God seeks with each and every person. St Paul revealed what this relationship is like, this meeting of the divine and human in his description of his encounter with Jesus:
‘But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me.’ (2 Corinthians 12:8)
This Gospel Enquiry is based on Luke’s account of the Annunciation and it provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our relationship with Jesus.
Gospel
During Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin. She was engaged to marry a man named Joseph from the family of David. Her name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, “Greetings! The Lord has blessed you and is with you.”
But Mary was very startled by what the angel said and wondered what this greeting might mean.
The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary; God has shown you his grace. Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of King David, his ancestor. He will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.”
Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I am a virgin?”
The angel said to Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you. For this reason the baby will be holy and will be called the Son of God. Now Elizabeth, your relative, is also pregnant with a son though she is very old. Everyone thought she could not have a baby, but she has been pregnant for six months. God can do anything!”
Mary said, “I am the servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me as you say!” Then the angel went away. (Luke 1:26-38 - New Century Version)
The Enquiry
See
This account from Luke’s Gospel is commonly referred to as “the Annunciation.” Identify the different parts of this encounter Mary has with the angel Gabriel. Have you ever experienced God calling you to do something to help in some small way to save the world? What did you do about it?
Identify the reasons why this event takes place. Which events from Israel’s past do you want to link with the Annunciation? Why have you chosen these events?
What does Mary say in response to Gabriel’s message? What do you learn about Mary from her response? When have you responded to God in this way?
Judge
Imagine you were present when the Annunciation took place. You have listened to the Angel Gabriel and you have heard Mary’s reply. What do you think about all that has happened before you? What feelings are you experiencing as you reflect on what has happened?
Come back into the present. What is your faith (the faith that you own, that you try to live by) saying to you about this situation? Consider this part of Gabriel’s message to Mary: “He will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.” Where and when is this a reality in your life?
Think of the marriage of the divine and the human in Mary: Ideally, what do you want for all people and for all time that mirrors what your faith tells you about the Annunciation?
Act
What needs to change in people you know so that everyone uses Mary as a model of how to respond to God’s invitation to be co-creators?
What small action can you commit to that will help to bring about this change in people you know and love?
Who can you involve in your action and how and when will you get them to participate in your action?
Author: Pat Branson
Image source: https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/5-places-to-find-the-annunciation-portrayed-in-the-basilica/
love the imagery!
Using Mary's understanding is a guide for us to answer the call bring about the kingdom of God here and how. And we can make great strides within our own family and local community.
This is spot on! and has caused me to reflect.
"Think of the marriage of the divine and the human in Mary: Ideally, what do you want for all people and for all time that mirrors what your faith tells you about the Annunciation?"