In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be… Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. (Lk 1:26-38)
Mary was a virgin when the angel Gabriel appeared to her but she was betrothed to Joseph of the house of David. She was greatly troubled at the words of the angel. The angel had only greeted her. Mary was only troubled at what this greeting might bring to her in her life. Greetings always bring with it something. It could be something good and helpful or it could also bring some message of trouble etc. It was natural that Mary was troubled at the greetings.
When the message was communicated then Mary wondered about how this could happen. Mary’s reaction was true and just because it was humanly impossible. Mary was the only person, if at all any, who could question this situation. Mary’s question was not just to give the reason for the impossibility but the demand for the reason for the divine intervention and the divine purpose for such an intervention.
When the divine purpose and the divine intention were made clear and understandable Mary could not but accept it. It was for this purpose the people of Israel where waiting for years and the expectations could be fulfilled at anytime and the present time was very apt for it. As a creature of God, Mary gives her fiat to God. As creatures, we have to accept and collaborate with the plan of God and Mary is a perfect model for that.
