11-30-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 30, 2024
In the opening chapter of Luke’s Gospel, we are introduced to Mary, Elizabeth’s relative. There we find a few important words: “In the sixth month, an angel named Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth. There, an unmarried woman named Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph, who was descended from David. Mary’s name was Mary.” The Bible has so many moments when an angel makes an appearance to announce something new. The word we translate as “angel” simply means “messenger” or someone who delivers a message. In this particular instance, the messenger is given a name, Gabriel. Gabriel had a history, as he was mentioned in other older Biblical and apocryphal writings. So many of the listeners would have known this messenger had divine origins, and though Mary’s response was confusion (some translate it as troubled or disturbed), I don’t believe it was the appearance of the angel but what the appearance would mean. God doesn’t send a messenger to offer a recommendation on a good restaurant. What comes with the appearance is something that will change the recipient’s life, and, in turn, initiate a global transformation. So, don’t feel pressured! Have you ever experienced a sense of both anxiousness and excitement when a divine message appeared on your doorstep, bursting with love? That was Mary!

May the Gabriels of this world, who carry your message, Holy God, impart a clear and purposeful message to us in this moment. Amen.