(Luke 1:26-38) Gabriel the Archangel announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she was to be the Mother of the Son of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Not fully understanding how that would be possible as a virgin, Gabriel assured her “nothing will be impossible for God” (Luke 1:37). This feast in the Church seemed to have originated around the time of the the Council of Ephesus (c.431), where a dispute about the divinity and humanity of Christ was resolved and it was confirmed that He was both fully human and fully divine, giving Mary the title of Theotokos or “God-bearer.”
The Marian dogmas (the highest level of “doctrine,” which means “teaching”) always indicate something about Christ. While even the angels recognized Mary as “full of grace,” and her role as the Queen Mother gives insight into her royal position, every meditation on her is ultimately about Jesus. How can the Blessed Mother be our model for humility in recovery?
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
Reflection by Brad Farmer