December 20
"Lk 1:26-38"
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus."
O, Gabriel, what a decisive moment in history! Among the millions of Angels it fell to you to deliver the most important message ever announced. How many centuries practising your lines! In this divine play that started millions of centuries ago we were all given lines; but yours, Gabriel, were the most important ever to be spoken by a creature (after those of Mary, of course). You had three parts in the play: one with Zechariah, one with Joseph (although this was only in his dreams) and the one that was every Angel's dream to deliver, your message to Mary.
How was it? Actually, how was she? Were you nervous? The salvation of the whole human race depended on the outcome of that conversation with Mary. What if your sudden appearance frightened her? What if your words wouldn't come out? What if you missed out a line? And what if...what if Mary said 'No'? But, of course, that couldn't happen...could it? Well, you, Gabriel, had centuries to prepare your lines, but not Mary. You had read the script millions of years ago, but Mary hadn't. You, Gabriel, were given your lines, but Mary wasn't. There were no lines for her in the script. There was a gap that only she could fill. All the Angels in Heaven knew the question. All the Archangels, patriarchs - and God Himself - knew your lines, Gabriel. And all of them waited eagerly for the reply. And that is the case for every vocation, for every mission that God gives men. Angels, Archangels, Saints and Holy Souls - and God Himself - know my calling and mission. What they don't know, what they are still waiting for, what history hasn't heard yet, is my reply.
Here it is: Holy Mary, through your intercession, be it done unto me according to God's Word!
