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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

May it be done to Me

Opinion

May it be done to Me

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gospel • Luke 1:26-38

The annunciation to Mary parallels that of the annunciation to Zechariah in the temple.

Both form a diptych, that is, parallel panels which present two stories side by side in order to show similarities and contrasts.

The basic steps in the annunciation are present in both: the appearance of the angel, fear on the part of the human being, the message, the objection, and the sign.

The fact that it is the same angel Gabriel who appears in both annunciations shows the unity of God’s salvific plan. But the contents of the angel’s message clearly show that Jesus is greater than John. Moreover, Mary fares better than Zechariah. He is rendered momentarily dumb because of his doubt, while Mary accepts the word of the angel in humility and faith.

Pope Francis beautifully describes Mary’s “Yes” that she spoke to the angel: “This was no merely passive or resigned acceptance, or a faint ‘yes,’ as if to say, ‘Well, let’s give it a try and see what happens.’ Mary did not know the words, ‘Let’s see what happens.’ She was determined; she knew what was at stake and she said ‘yes’ without thinking twice. Hers was the ‘yes’ of someone prepared to be committed, someone willing to take a risk” (Christus Vivit, 44).

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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REFLECTIONS 365 Days with the Lord

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