Luke 1:28-30
28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Tuesday, December 2 - Week of Hope
Today, “the moment” is upon Mary. God sent Gabriel, but the moment of arrival was not described. We have no flash of light or rush of wind; we merely have the words that linger like perfume in the air: “Greetings, favored one!”
The Greek word for Mary’s emotion is diatarasso. The NRSV translates it as “perplexed,” whereas the NIV translates it as “troubled.” However, the translation is more accurate as “to disturb wholly", or "agitate" (with alarm). To put it in Texas Layman’s vernacular, she was as frightened as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs! Gabriel could sense or see Mary’s demeanor, so he offered further words of comfort and an assurance of her favor with God.
I imagine seeing a figure as grand as Gabriel bringing about a great sense of fear. One didn’t receive an audience with the Divine unless there was trouble...or purpose...or a calling. But why Mary? Why would God approach a young woman when men were typically the ones called? Because Mary would soon become the Theotokos, or God bearer for our world.
Prayer: Lord, in our fear, help us see the greater picture before us that you continue to create. Calm our hearts to know where you would call us to be. Amen.
