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.

Opening Prayer: Lord God, you are the King of Glory. You created all things and have invited me to ascend your holy mountain. Guide my steps as I approach you. Cleanse my heart today and bless me with your grace.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Joseph and the Royal House of David: In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph. Luke doesn’t just say that Joseph was a descendant of David, but that he is of the “House of David” (Luke 1:27; 2:4). This means that even though Joseph was laboring as a humble carpenter in the small town of Nazareth, he belonged to the royal house of David. Just as Matthew revealed the genealogy of the royal house of David that continued after the return of the Judeans to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, Luke also indicated that the line of David continued and was preserved in Joseph. In 2 Samuel 7:4-17, God promised to David that he would build him a house in the form of a dynasty. Joseph, the Gospels of Matthew and Luke reveal, is the “hidden king” and true heir to the throne of David.

2. Gabriel’s Message and the Davidic Covenant: Gabriel announces to Mary, the betrothed of Joseph five things: that she will conceive and bear a son, that this son will be great (Luke 1:32), that this son will be called “Son of the Most High,” that this son will receive the throne of his father, David, from the Lord God, and that his Kingdom will be everlasting. Gabriel’s announcement echoes the covenant promise that God made to David, that David’s name would be great (2 Samuel 7:9), that his royal sons would be “sons of God” by divine adoption (2 Samuel 7:14), and that David’s kingdom, throne, and house would be “established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16).

3. Mary’s Faith: Yesterday, we read the annunciation to Zechariah about John’s conception and birth. There are many parallels with the annunciation to Mary about Jesus. But an important difference is found in how each one responded to Gabriel’s message. Zechariah asked: “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” Mary asked: “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” In Zechariah’s case, he doubted God’s word and power and pointed out how it was naturally impossible for him and his wife to conceive. In Mary’s case, she believed and trusted. But she pointed out her vow of virginity. She didn’t object to the angel’s message like Zechariah did, but asked how she could accomplish God’s will while keeping her vow. Zechariah didn’t trust in the Lord and wanted a sign. Mary didn’t waver in her trust but eagerly asked how she could accomplish the Father’s will. Zechariah was punished with silence for nine months. Mary broke out in praise and set out immediately to help her cousin. 

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, eternal Son of God, bring me safely home to dwell in your heavenly mansion. Lord Jesus, faithful Son of David, reign in my life! Lord Jesus, merciful Son of Mary, comfort me as I journey toward the heavenly Promised Land.

Living the Word of God: How am I called to imitate Mary’s response to the revelation of God’s plan? Do I need to be more attentive to the voice of God and more docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Do I need to discern the needs of those around me and rise to serve them? Do I need to grow in humility and see myself as a handmaiden (servant) of the Lord? Do I need to seek God’s guidance in a difficult decision I am about to make? Do I need to have a deeper faith in the power of God?