Today’s meditation, the Annunciation, is the highlight of the Advent season and it is a continuation of what I considered yesterday. The words of the angel Gabriel to Mary are best able to guide me along in appreciating this mystery.
He began with a greetings, “Hail Mary” and, after telling her she was chosen to give birth to a child “who will be great and will be called “the Son of the Most High… and his reign will have no end.” (Lk. 1:12). So, we are invited during these last few days of Advent to pray with the Mother of God that her Son will rule over us and for all those for whom we pray.
Mary was left somewhat unsettled, confused by Gabriel’s message. As a point of clarification, he then informed her “the child will be holy and will be called Son of God.” So, the confusion led to greater clarification for her. What a hopeful message that is for us to ponder during the coming year.
Resolved: The Gloria is a prayer we recite at each Sunday Mass. We’re so used to it we have to admit that we don’t pay attention to its words. Today I shall spend some time rereading it carefully in preparation for Christmas Day.