Fourth Week of Advent, Monday – 20th December 2021 — Gospel: Luke 1,26-38
Significant Announcement
This birth announcement scene has some resemblance in the language of the Old Testament (Judg 13,2-7) and parallels to the announcement to Zechariah (Lk 1,5-25). The two annunciation stories of the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus have some distinctive and common features. Angel Gabriel appears in both scenes, telling Zechariah and Mary not to be afraid (1,13,30) and announcing the unexpected birth of their children (1,13.31). Both are reassured after raising an objection (1,18-19.34-35), and a sign is given to each of them (1,20.36). In contrast the announcement about John comes to a priest in the midst of public worship at the temple, while the announcement about Jesus comes privately to a humble woman in a small village. However, the angelic announcement to Mary highlights Jesus’ singular significance as Davidic Messiah (1,31-33).
