Last week, we gathered around The Magnificat, Luke’s canticle he ascribed to his heroine Mary. And today, we read the scripture that actually came before this, the scripture that is commonly called The Annunciation. This is the well-known text where the angel Gabriel arrives to talk to Mary about the child she will bear, and call, Jesus. Luke’s telling of this tale is a sweet exchange, offering us a picture of Mary as a contemplative young woman, thoughtful and careful in her responses, with a lively curiosity, and a deep faith. “Nothing is impossible with God,” Gabriel declares. To which Mary responds, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord. Let it be according to your word.”

May we all desire such steadiness of gaze and humility, and thus open ourselves up to the astonishing life that lies before us.