AnnunciationMary's Decision at the Annunciation - March 25Commentary
The literary form of Annunciation always follows the same pattern. This pattern has been in the annunciation to: Abraham (Genesis 17); Samson's parents (judges 13); Moses (Exodus 3); Gideon (judges 6); Joseph (Matthew 1:20-23); Zachariah (Luke 1:8-23); the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20). Mary was pregnant - but a virgin! This is a sign of God's power and willingness to take part in human history. Compare this new creative act of God with the act of the first creation when the Spirit of God came down upon the water (Genesis 1:2). This mysterious conception, without a male parent reveals the creative power of God at work. Here again God takes the initiative and does something new. Luke presents Mary as the first one to hear the gospel. Mary is the instrument God uses, 'You see before you the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said' (1:38). Mary hears the word of God and does it. This is a basic principle of discipleship. For Luke, Mary is the first Christian disciple the Spirit is already at work in Mary. Her obedient response anticipates the characteristics of a follower of Jesus. Mary in the annunciation has come face to face with the mystery of God at work within her. She decides to agree to God's request even though she does not understand. |
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The style of this event is symbolic and follows a literary pattern, it is not a diary of an event in the life of Mary. Luke uses a literary form of Annunciation. The purpose of this form was to prepare a reader for the career of a person who was destined to play a significant role in salvation history. Luke's primary purpose is to emphasise the future greatness of Jesus.
