GOSPEL

You will conceive in your womb and bear a son.

From the Gospel according to Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month, 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.

The Gospel of the Lord

Gentleness

God intervenes directly, changing the course of human history. Here, it is the angel who, by divine command, enters the presence of Mary as the actor in this beautiful scene starring Mary.

The workings of God are incredibly beautiful, displaying an unmatched tact and gentleness. Because God does not use force when He intervenes in our lives. He respects our freedom and invites us to the greatness of our vocation.

Applied to married life

Andrew: I contemplate the beauty of the Annunciation and see gentleness and greatness on God’s part, and delicacy and humility on Mary’s part. But always gentleness.

Julie: Yes, everything that comes from God is infused with charming beauty and harmony. I am amazed when I contemplate them.

Andrew: That’s why I believe that when we are going to communicate something from God to each other, that beauty, humility, and gentleness must necessarily be present. Without these elements, we are not being a channel of God’s grace

Julie: I would be wonderful if we could always uphold that beauty and gentleness. Shall we make it a commitment?

Andrew: Great idea!

Mother,

You captivate me. I could spend countless hours absorbed in this scene. I love you Mother, I love you Lord.