Tuesday 25 March 2025
But she [Mary] was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. (v. 29)
Background
It's nine months to go until Christmas Day! The Church has celebrated the feast of the Annunciation on this date since medieval times, and today’s reading tells the story.
This is the angel Gabriel’s second announcement of a special birth, following on from Luke’s account of an encounter with Zechariah in the Temple (Luke 1:8-25). In that meeting, Zechariah heard that he and his wife Elizabeth would have a son after years of childlessness. The child was to be called John. Zechariah refused to believe the angel, and as a result, became unable to speak until the baby’s birth.
Luke moves on to describe Gabriel’s visit to Mary, six months into Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Gabriel’s first words to Mary describe her as 'favoured' or ‘graced’. The Greek word here is from the same family as the word used for ‘gifts of the Spirit’, and its form implies a status which already exists and will continue. In the traditional Catholic version of these words, this is translated as ‘full of grace’.
We are given just a few details about Mary at this point, indicating that she is a young woman with a settled future, in the transitional period between engagement and marriage. Legally, this was a more formal relationship than engagement in today’s world. The angel’s arrival upends all her expectations and leaves her confused and uncertain. The message itself makes matters no easier. Gabriel offers what might be described as ‘too much information’ in describing the future awaiting her son. Mary’s first response focuses on just one point, the core announcement that she will become pregnant and bear a son. Ignoring all Gabriel’s words about her son’s stunning destiny, she names the impossibility of this happening: "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" (v. 34)
The angel highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in this conception, just as the Spirit brooded over the face of the waters in the beginning, when life itself came into being (Genesis 1:2). Luke mentions the Holy Spirit almost as often as the other three gospels put together, often in the context of gifting with God’s wisdom and grace.
This story ends as Mary accepts God’s will for her (v. 38). Though Gabriel does not present the message as a question, Mary’s agreement matters. Unlike Zechariah, she is able to overcome her perplexity and trust God for whatever the future holds.
To Ponder:
- Have you ever experienced a ‘Mary moment’ of perplexity and confusion at God’s plans for you? If so, what has helped you to find a way through?
- The Church has often described Mary as gentle and meek. How closely does this fit with Luke’s telling of her story? Are there different words you would choose to describe her?
Prayer
God of new creation, through whose Holy Spirit the world is changed, lead us away from perplexity and confusion so that we can say ‘yes’ to your purposes for us and all creation, through Jesus Christ, born of Mary. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Caroline Wickens
Caroline Wickens is the Superintendent of the Manchester Circuit. She has taught biblical studies in Africa and the UK, and continues to be fascinated by this amazing book.