JOYFUL MYSTERY

"My soul is glad because of God my Savior"

-Luke 1:47

Spiritual Fruit: Humility

1. The Annunciation

The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary, a young

Jewish girl.
Gabriel greets Mary saying, "Hail, full of grace,
the Lord is with you: blessed are you among
women." Luke 1:28.
These familiar words is how Mary is greeted in the
Hail Mary Prayer, the main rosary prayer.
Gabriel is declaring that Mary is holy. She never
had original sin, in the words of the angel, she is
"full of grace".
Mary being very humble is disturbed by the
angel’s words. The angel recognizing this then
adds,“Don't be afraid, Mary; God has been
gracious to you.” Luke 1:30
Gabriel continues with his message to Mary,
31 You will become pregnant and give birth to a
son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be
great and will be called the Son of the Most High
God. The Lord God will make him a king, as his
ancestor David was, 33 and he will be the king of
the descendants of Jacob forever; his kingdom will
never end!” Luke 1:31-33
Now because Mary is a virgin she is puzzled and
asks the angel how this is possible.
He answers her...

“The Holy Spirit will come on you, and God's

power will rest upon you. For this reason the holy
child will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35
Mary knows about the promise of a savior and is
well informed of the Messianic prophesies of the
Old Testament.
However, when you look at her comments to the
angel, Mary obviously doesn't fully understand all
that is happening to her but she answers in the
most obedient and confident way.
She says...
38 “I am the Lord's servant,” said Mary; “may it
happen to me as you have said.” And the angel
left her. Luke 1:38
Mary always conforms her will to that of God's.
Imitating Mary's attitude toward God's will is a
sure way to bring peace to your life.