Hail O favored one; Angels: Day 173

If we imitate the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, says St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, then we, too, will be included in that angelic salutation, “Hail,  O favored one!”

With what spiritual song or word shall we honor her who is most glorious among the angels? She is planted in the house of God like a fruitful olive that the Holy Spirit overshadowed; and by means of her we are called sons and heirs of the kingdom of Christ. She is the ever-blooming paradise of incorruptibility, in which is planted the tree that gives life, and that provides the fruits of immortality to all. She is the boast and glory of virgins, and the exultation of mothers. She is the sure support of the believing, and the help of the pious. She is the vesture of light, and the dwelling place of virtue. She is the ever-flowing fountain, from which the water of life sprang and produced the Lord’s incarnate manifestation. She is the monument of righteousness; and all who become lovers of her, and set their affections on virgin-like innocence and purity, will enjoy the grace of angels.

All who keep themselves from wine and intoxication, and from the wanton enjoyments of strong drink, will be made glad with the products of the life-bear- ing plant. All who have kept the lamp of virginity alight will be privileged to re- ceive the unfading crown of immortality. All who have possessed themselves of the stainless robe of temperance will be received into the mystical bride-chamber of righteousness. All who have come nearer the angelic degree than others will also enter into the more real enjoyment of their Lord’s beatitude. All who have pos- sessed the illuminating oil of understanding, and the pure incense of conscience, will inherit the promise of spiritual favor and the spiritual adoption. All who wor- thily observe the festival of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, the mother of God, acquire as their proper recompense the fuller interest in the message, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28).

–St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, Homily 2 on the Annunciation

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

What could I change in my life to be a better imitator of Mary’s virtues, so that I can be worthy of that same angelic greeting?

CLOSING PRAYER

O Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom the archangel Gabriel called the “favored one,” beseech for me the only-begotten  Son, who was  born of  you, to forgive me my offenses and my sins, through your intercession for me, O holy Mother.

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