RBWords

     If this scene were a play, the title might be a bit in tension with the action!  The title is "The Annunciation of the Lord," but the characters are an angel and a very surprised young Jewish woman.  Given the popularity of the scene in art, it is very understandable that Gabriel and Mary get the most attention, especially Mary, with her words of acceptance of the role (fate?) that has been announced to her!  [One could get the impression that the angel would have stayed till she said "Yes!" no matter how long it took!]  However, the title given by the church is "the Annunciation of the LORD!"  The capital letters are my emphasis but the name is not just a word in the title.  The central character is hidden from us by being in utero from that very moment!

 

     The Gospel of Matthew preserves another tradition that allows us to see that it was not just Mary's life that was turned upside down.  Joseph had to make a choice as well. [cf. Matt. 1:18-25].  Perhaps this could be "scene two," of the play!  But even there, the central character is not Joseph but the baby!  The whole narrative is pretty much like any young couple, newly engaged/married (the Jewish custom is somewhere in between the two, like the "slash-mark!"), and unexpectedly pregnant.  All plans are changed!  All attention is on "the one who is to come!"

 

     The "annunciation" is made to us all.  The story is about the Lord!  Mary and Joseph and Elizabeth and Zechariah and John the Baptist and the angel Gabriel and the shepherds and Magi and Simeon and Anna and the elders in the temple all join the chorus.  This play could last twelve years!  The subject matter is profound, involving as it does human choice and all the drama of prophecy and threats.  It is a dramatic preaching into which we are invited as believers and disciples.  Pick any of the characters you like and put on the costume!  AMEN