On the feast of the Annunciation we celebrate Mary’s “yes” to God. This pivotal moment in human history, when Mary accepts the angel’s message and gives her fiat, is a beautiful example of man’s free will acting in accordance with God’s plan. Mary is the new Eve whose acceptance of God’s plan helps to heal the rupture brought to man by Adam and Eve’s disobedience.
The painting is strikingly divided right down the center by the background window frame. This immediately draws the eye to the focal point of the painting at the very center. The hand of the angel reaches out to Mary in greeting while her hand seems caught in between accepting and hesitating. Mary’s body is poised in movement. She seems, at the same time, to be eagerly stepping towards the angel and stepping back in fear. The position of her arms both resist and welcome. Her eyes are downcast in humility, yet her face turns forward in willing acceptance. The artist brilliantly captures the story of the Annunciation by incorporating Mary’s “How can this be?” and “Let it be done until be according to your word” (Luke 1, RSVCE) in the same moment. Despite this seeming contradiction, Mary is a figure of peace. The gentle positioning of her body is not rigid, but rather, docile.
The figure of the angel Gabriel is full of movement and motion. The many folds of his garments are dramatic and his wings are strong and elegant. Gabriel carries a branch of lilies which is a traditional symbol of purity, honoring Mary’s virginity. Outside the window one can also see a walled garden, which is also thought to symbolize Mary’s protected purity. The angel kneels before the Blessed Mother, showing honor and respect.
After you rest with the painting, pray the words of the Hail Mary which echo the words of the angel Gabriel. What phrases stand out to you? Is there a line of the prayer that you feel is best illustrated by this painting? Are there any lines of the prayer that you are seeing in a new light?
The Gospel of Luke depicts the scene of the Annunciation. Read the Gospel passage below and allow the painting above to be your mental illustration of the story. How do you see the emotions of the scene played out in the painting?
And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High;
and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever;
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no husband?” And the angel said to her,
“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.”
(Luke 1:28-35, RSVCE)
In this scene, the angel Gabriel brings a challenging request that is nonetheless filled with peace. The movements of the Holy Spirit may not always be easy to accept, but they always speak deeper peace into our lives. Are there any places in our lives where we need the Holy Spirit to help us have greater acceptance of the will of God? Are there any places where fear is preventing us from fruitful surrender? Let us ask the intercession of the Virgin Mary, model of holy surrender, to help us welcome her Son into our hearts.
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