The Annunciation Budapest Master (Spanish, Castilian, ca. 1500) New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
We read about the Annunciation of the Lord to Mary in Lk 1:26-38. This event, mystically linked with Mary's conception of Jesus Christ immediately afterward, is the ultimate intervention of God in the life of an individual. With the Incarnation of God, the world and humanity were instantaneously and radically changed forever. Let us consider for a moment how Mary was directly impacted by this singular event. Following are ten blessings Mary received during this event:
Blessing of Angelic Visitation (Lk 1:26-27): The angel Gabriel "was sent from God" and appeared to Mary. Gabriel is a unique angel, an Archangel "who stand in the presence of God" (Lk 1:19). His appearance to a human being was, in and of itself, a profound and deep act of Divine blessing.
Blessing of Divine Election (Lk 1:26-28, 30): Mary had been chosen by God for an unprecedented role, or office, in Salvation History; Mother of the Son of God, Mother of the Savior of the World, the First Christian.
Blessing of Announcement (Lk 1:30-33): The Incarnation Mystery is announced first to Mary. She represents humankind and is entrusted with this Divine Message for safekeeping. But more, what is announced almost simultaneously occurs through a Divine act within her physical body. The Announcement "takes flesh" within her.
Blessing of Illumination (Lk 1:31-33, 35): Gabriel explains the meaning of the message, the truth of the Incarnation. "...his name Jesus...the Son of the Most High...the throne of his father David...reign over the house of Jacob...his kingdom...the Son of God" and conceived by "the Holy Spirit". These are theological concepts of uncharted prophetic and intellectual import; like Divine sunbeams penetrating her heart and intellect.
Blessing of Conception (Lk 1:31, 35): We might almost say that there are two consecutive "annunciations" to Mary; 1. Gabriel appears to her, 2. The Holy Spirit overshadows her. In the first she conceives the Word in her heart, in the second she conceives the Word in her womb (as the Fathers of the Church observed). She is transformed for eternity, from "handmaid of the Lord" to "Mother of God", by one sublime act of Divine Intervention.
Blessing of the Divine Presence (Lk 1:31, 35): At the moment of the Incarnation, God is present with Mary with an intensity and reality beyond human comprehension or explanation. As Mother, she enjoys the real physical Presence of God, as First Christian, this Presence imbues and directs her daily life.
Blessing of Prophetic Fulfillment (Mt 1:20-22): A lengthy list of Messianic prophecies, beginning with Gen 3:15 and running down through the centuries, were fulfilled within the womb and being of Mary in that very moment of "the fullness of time" (Eph 1:9-10), on that very first day of the "new creation" (II Cor 5:17). When Gabriel announced the redemptive name of "Jesus" to Mary, our Redemption was already upon us.
Blessing of Encouragement (Lk 1:30, 37): Gabriel gave Mary two personal messages of encouragement and strengthening; 1. "Do not be afraid...you have found favor with God." and 2. "For with God nothing will be impossible." This was an immediate blessing to Mary, but also a touchstone message for the rest of her life, especially during those times of trial that would come upon her.
Blessing of Divine Guidance (Lk 1:36): Gabriel reveals to Mary the prophetic pregnancy of her kinswoman Elizabeth, which serves as a spiritual signpost for her new journey with God. Also, this news of God's Divine intervention and activity in the world around her are a promise of a continuing guidance throughout her life.
Blessing of Remembrance (Lk 1:26-38): This foundational event, the Incarnation of Christ by the Virgin Mary, which defines Christianity, and the accompanying teaching message from Gabriel, which informs Christianity, were to be shared by Mary with the early Apostolic Church at the appropriate time. This was a sacred remembrance given only to Mary for the holy edification of the Christian Church for all time. This blessing was understood by Mary; "...henceforth all generations will call me blessed" (Lk 1:48).
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