Lk 1:26-38
In Luke’s gospel, we hear the story of the Annunciation. This gospel reflects the Angel Gabriel’s visit to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her to not be afraid, for she has found favor with God. Gabriel tells Mary that she will conceive and bear a son, and he “will be called Son of the Most High”. Mary is very confused when she hears this, she asks Gabriel how this could be since she has not had any relations with a man. Gabriel replies “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.”. Gabriel also tells Mary that her relative, Elizabeth, who everyone thought was barren has conceived a son because “nothing will be impossible for God.”. Mary is obedient and says yes to God.
Mary is the Immaculate Conception, which means she was conceived without original sin. Gabriel addresses this when he addresses Mary saying, “Hail, full of grace!” by saying Mary is full of grace Gabriel is saying that Mary is without sin. Mary is not only free from sin she conquers it by saying yes to God’s plan. Mary, when hearing she will be the mother of the Son of God says, “May it be done to me according to your word”. This is Mary’s Fiat, it is her yes to God. Mary is the New Eve, her yes replaces the disobedience of Eve and original sin. The Blessed Virgin Mary sets a great example of obedience upon which all people should follow.