Mary in the Gospel of Luke: Part VII: The Annunciation

The Annunciation

Mary’s Fear

It  is customary in Old Testament annunciation narratives that the visionary be depicted as seized with fear at the appearance of the angel of the Lord. Such an unexpected burst of the holy into one’s life startles, scares, and upsets.  There is awe and also anxiety at this sudden “intrusion.” And there is often downright fear.

It was generally believed that death itself may ensue at the appearance of the Lord’s messenger. After an angelic visit, Samson’s father, Manoah, said to his wife; “We shall surely die, for we have seen God” (Jdg 13:22). Gideon had to be comforted by the appearing angel: “Do not fear, you shall not die” (Jdg 6:23).

In the opening pages of Luke’s gospel, Zechariah is visited by the angel Gabriel. His reaction is also one of fear; “And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him (the angel) and fear fell upon him”. (Lk 1:12).

It is, therefore, not surprising that the annunciation narrative speaks of Mary as “greatly troubled” (Lk 1:29). But notice the difference. Mary is not startled at the appearance of the angel; rather it is the greeting – Rejoice, O highly favored daughter (Hail, full of grace) – which upsets her. Moreover, it is never stated, as it is with Zechariah and with many Old Testament visionaries, that Our Lady was seized with fear. She is troubled, to be sure.

Mary Startled With the Greeting

In fact, an analysis of the Greek text reveals that Mary is even more deeply troubled than Zechariah. True, the angel says to her: Do not be afraid, Mary. The context makes it clear, however, that Gabriel is referring to her shock at being called by such a magnificent title: “highly favored.” She is not filled with fear at the sight of the angel. She is startled by her new name: highly favored daughter (kecharitomene; cf. prior installment when this name is explored).

Luke is anxious to underline that  this woman of faith – the culmination of the faith of the heroes and heroines of the Old Testament – is not upset by the appearance of the holy but by the holy’s awesome greeting. She considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. Can we not say that Mary is being painted by Luke as a young woman who is at home with the holy, in harmony with God? And it is precisely this mysterious familiarity with the holy which causes her to ponder such an unusual, majestic address from God, the Holy One of Israel. The stage is set for Gabriel’s response. The archangel must clarify the meaning of this favor  which the Almighty bestows upon her. His task is to respond to Mary’s surprise at being called by the new name, highly favored.

The Message of the Angel

The message proper of the angel, or rather the message from God delivered by the angel, includes verses 30 to 33. This is often called the third part of an annunciation of birth narrative. For example, in the announcement of the birth of John the Baptizer, Luke speaks first about the appearance of the angel and second, the fear expressed by Zechariah before he introduces the third section, Gabriel’s message (cf Lk 1:11-17). Other examples can be seen in the birth stories of Ishmael, Isaac, Samson and Samuel.

This significant part of the Lucan  annunciation narrative can be divided into two sections: a) The statement of      the reason why Mary is called “highly favored,” verses 30-31. b) A fuller explanation of the great favor granted to Mary, verses 32-33.

Why Mary is “Highly Favored”

The message of the angel begins with a clarification of the awesome name with which he addressed Mary: highly favored daughter, or as Saint Jerome translated it, full of grace. It is this title which so unnerved her. Gabriel is clear in his explanation: You have found favor [Greek, charis) with God. You will conceive in your womb and bear a Son.

Notice that the identical word is used here – favor (charis) – which is the core of the new name bestowed upon Mary at the beginning of the annunciation: “highly favored one,” (Greek, kecharitomene). This is, then, the primary meaning of the wonderful salutation, Rejoice, O highly favored daughter (Hail, full of grace): Mary will be “filled” with a child. The “favor” she receives which is at the root of her new name “highly favored,” is clear: she will conceive  a son.

If the text stopped here, there would be no clear indication of a virginal conception. For the angel tells this young girl, legally married to Joseph but not yet living with him, that  she “will conceive.” Mary would, in this Lucan scenario, conclude that this will take place when she and Joseph live together as husband and wife. It is only the later verses which make clear to Mary that this conception will occur virginally, through the overshadowing Spirit.

(To Be Continued)

The next article of Mary in the Gospel of Luke  will study the name of the child Mary conceives: And you shall call his name, Jesus (verse 31).