The Annunciation

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. Lk 1:26-27

What did Gabriel find when he was sent by God to Nazareth? He found a beautiful maiden, a virgin named Mary. And how did he find her? He found her in prayer. Mary was in the habit of prayer to God. She lived in communion with God. She lived in dependence upon God. Therefore, when the angel appeared to her the ears of her heart were open to God’s invitation.

This invitation was to change the course of human history forever. God’s invitation to Mary was for her to become the Mother of His only Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. Her response: “Let it be according to Your Word.” Her life of prayer made her open to God’s will. Through her “yes” she was to become the mother of God and the spouse of the Holy Spirit. Through her “yes” salvation dawns upon the earth through her Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.