The Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary (March 25) is likely not all that often celebrated. It rarely falls on a Sunday, and even when it does, the readings otherwise scheduled for that Sunday would be used unless that parish at issue were named for the Annunciation (or somebody breaks the rules, which I personally encourage). I regret its rarity. The gospel for that celebration, from the Gospel of Luke, is one of the most important passages in all of Scripture, and it is far too easily overlooked. In fact, overlooking it has let to a lot of bad results. It gets right to the heart of things even before Jesus shows up on the scene at all.
The Annunciation is often portrayed in art with the Archangel Gabriel hovering above the Virgin Mary. He is making an announcement. She is receiving it, often with her hand over her chest., perhaps over her heart. Sometimes she is portrayed with both hands crossed over her chest, almost in a self-protective posture. It’s all rather meek.
The text of the gospel, however, paints a very different picture from anything either meek or weak. First Gabriel makes the announcement he has been sent to make. It is what happens next that warrants a more careful look.
To tell you the truth, I would be inclined to respond to a visit from an archangel, speaking directly for God, no less, with something along the lines of, “Whatever you say.” Not so, Mary. The young woman, really probably a girl by our standards, does not just take the news and acquiesce. Rather, she asks a question herself. "How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Lk. 1:34)
And do not be mistaken. The archangel of God does not respond, “Because I said so.” Rather Gabriel explains, ending with words that must have gladdened Mary’s heart, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (v. 37). Then, and only then, does Mary agree to the angel’s proposal. “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (v. 38).
I conclude with one more reference to art. Many, but unfortunately not all, representations of the Annunciation, portray the Virgin Mary being interrupted from her reading by the angel’s presence. That’s right. Artists portray Mary as a woman who could read, a rather rare thing in their days and hers. One of the reasons, of course, is that she is about to make the Word incarnate. We should not forget that the Word could not have become incarnate without her cooperation. But even more importantly, at least in my mind, is that she was way outside preconceptions of who could and should do what. She was a force to be reckoned with. I imagine Gabriel reporting that to God. I imagine God responding, “I know.”
I don’t know where we got the idea that women are supposed to be passive in the world and men are to play the leading roles. It’s just not biblical. It is not the world God intends. It is not a world Jesus accepts.
Agape,
+Stacy
Bishop Stacy Sauls
Founder and President