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Mary, the Blessed Virgin, had a privilege no one else in history has ever had, says St. Gregory the Wonder-Worker: she saw the archangel Gabriel in all his glory.
Most of the holy fathers, and the patriarchs, and the prophets desired to see Christ and to be eyewitnesses of him. But they did not reach that goal. In visions, some of them saw him figuratively and dimly. Others had the privilege of hearing the divine voice through the cloud, and were favored with visions of holy angels.
But only to Mary, the pure virgin, did the archangel Gabriel show himself luminously, bringing her the happy greeting, “Hail, you who are full of grace!”
And that was how she received the word. And in due time, as the body ran its course, she brought forth the priceless pearl.–Origen, Letter to Gregory, 3
–St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, Homily 1 on the Annunciation to the Holy Virgin Mary
IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Am I ready to receive news of God’s plan for me, the way Mary willingly received the news the archangel brought her?
CLOSING PRAYER
Holy angel, St. Gabriel, you came from Heaven to address Our Lady as your queen. May we too recognize her queenship, give her due reverence, and know her powerful maternal care in our lives.
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