About the angel #Gabriel and the hood news he delivered to our Lady the Virgin #Mary.
Beloved members, as we commemorate this great angel today, let us delve into the depths of the mystery of the Annunciation, wherein the Archangel Gabriel, the herald of good tidings, was sent unto the Virgin Mary to proclaim unto her the ineffable conception of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
First and foremost, we must cast our minds unto the time and place where this divine event occurred. The Virgin Mary, a maiden pure and undefiled, found herself within the abode of the elderly Joseph. There, in the quietude of her daily toils, she was visited by the heavenly messenger. It is of paramount importance that we understand the nature of this encounter; the Archangel Gabriel, a celestial being of the highest order, was sent by God Himself to bring forth a message of salvation and grace.
The Archangel appeared unto Mary not once, but thrice. This thrice-fold appearance is a divine mystery, and it is laden with profound spiritual significance. The first appearance served as a test, to discern whether Mary was indeed the chosen vessel of God’s grace. The second appearance was a revelation, wherein Gabriel unveiled to Mary the divine plan of God. And the third appearance, oh brethren, was the culmination of God’s promise, as Gabriel proclaimed unto Mary that she would bear the Son of God, and His kingdom shall have no end.
Saint Demetrius of Antioch, in his divine wisdom, has eloquently described the instructions given unto Gabriel: "Speak unto her with gentleness and joy, for she is but a tender maiden and cannot bear the weight of fear." Gabriel was to approach Mary not as a harbinger of doom, but as a bearer of good tidings, as one who brings forth the light of God’s glory.
Saint Ephraim the Syrian, a luminary of our faith, attests that Gabriel appeared unto Mary in a form that was both ancient and angelic, luminous and divine. This appearance was calculated to inspire awe and reverence, yet also to convey the gravity of the message he bore. For Mary was chosen by God to be the tabernacle of the Most High, the Ark of the New Covenant, and thus, Gabriel approached her with the utmost reverence and humility.
As we ponder upon this divine encounter, let us reflect upon the words of Gabriel unto Mary: "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" (Luke 1:28). Herein lies the crux of the message: Mary was chosen not by virtue of her own merits, but by the grace of God. She was to become the Mother of God, the Theotokos, and through her, salvation was to come forth into the world.
Brethren, let us also reflect upon the response of Mary to this divine message. She was troubled at the saying of Gabriel, and pondered what manner of greeting this might be. Yet, in her humility and obedience, she submitted herself unto the will of God, saying, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). In this act of submission, Mary becomes for us a model of humility and obedience, showing us the way to truly receive the grace of God.
Saint Gabriel, the herald of good tidings, was chosen for this divine mission because of his steadfastness in the face of adversity, and because of the profound mystery contained within his very name, which signifies "God is my strength." He, who stands in the presence of God, was sent to prepare the way for the Lord, fulfilling the prophecies of old, and making straight the path for the salvation of mankind.
In conclusion, brethren, let us take to heart the lessons of the Annunciation, and let us strive to emulate the virtues of the Virgin Mary, that we too might become worthy vessels of God’s grace. May the intercessions of Saint Gabriel and the Theotokos be with us all, guiding us on the path of salvation, and leading us into the everlasting kingdom of God. Amen.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every language that He has created, today and always.
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