The Angel Calms the Blessed Virgin

Who having heard was troubled at his saying, and thought what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: ‘Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God’ ” (Luke 1, 29).

First Prelude: Again, in spirit, enter the humble dwelling at Nazareth and contemplate the Blessed Virgin, troubled at the angel’s words.

Second Prelude: Ask of the Blessed Virgin a share in her wonderful humility and unbounded confidence.

FIRST POINT

EFFECTS OF THE ANGELIC SALUTATION

The evangelist relates that “When Mary heard this she was troubled, and thought what manner of salutation this should be.” Mary’s fear proceeded from her deep humility. It was not the appearance of the angel, not the wonderful splendor surrounding him that troubled her—she was accustomed to intercourse with heavenly spirits, as the mystical writers say; but she was troubled at the angel’s words. He had said: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, Blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1, 28). Her humility was unable to comprehend the extraordinary distinction suggested by these words.

What an example does the Blessed Virgin set us in this mystery! She had every reason to rejoice at the angel’s message; yet she feared; her heart sought no honor, no preference, she rejected the praise bestowed upon her. She deemed herself unworthy to be thus singularly honored by God with such rare graces. Her humility is as profound as her knowledge of God is sublime and exalted. Why are there so few humble souls? Is it not because profound knowledge of God and thorough knowledge of self are rarely found among men? If we wish to advance in perfection we must strive earnestly to grow in this two-fold knowledge, and often propound to ourselves the question: “Who is God and who am I?” St. Charles Borromeo who was so deeply grounded in humility, said: “Mary, the humble Virgin, becomes troubled on hearing an angel praise her in virtue of a divine command; we, miserable sinners, crave the empty praises of men.”

All those who constantly commune with God by the contemplation of divine things, and a pure life, flee honor and praise, and if such, nevertheless, are accorded them, they accept them reluctantly. How am I disposed in this respect? Do I bear in mind that the grace of God finds no entrance into a heart filled with self?

SECOND POINT

THE ANGEL CALMS THE BLESSED VIRGIN

Noticing the fear of Mary, the angel quieted her and said: “Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God” (Luke 1, 30). It is peculiar to the spirit of God to dispel fear from our hearts. An inspiration is divine if it begets peace and implicit confidence in God, which are ever its special marks. The false insinuations of the Evil One always beget unrest and usually mislead to vain presumption and mistrust in God’s mercy. No imperfection attached to the Blessed Virgin’s fear, but the angel dispelled it that she might receive the divine message with perfect composure. “Thou hast found grace with God,” this is the reason why Mary should not fear; she possessed God’s grace, His love and pleasure. This consciousness is an impenetrable shield against all fear, for what could frighten her whom the Holy Ghost assures that she is a child of God?

Oh, let us guard against losing the grace of God or weakening its effects through our fault! On our deathbed, nothing shall be able to give us greater assurance than the knowledge that, with the grace of God, we have always endeavored to do what we recognized as pleasing to Him, feared sin and by contrition and penance, atoned for the sins committed. May we not in all humility and confidence, still hope to find grace with God? Let us beg Mary, who constantly corresponded to grace, to help us repair our past abuse of graces by redoubled zeal and fervor.

Do I suffer myself to be unnecessarily disquieted and troubled by the insinuations of the devil? Have I not thus lost much valuable time?

Affections: O Mary, thou blest Spouse of the Holy Spirit, blest Mother of the Eternal Word, glorious Queen of Angels, amiable Mother of Mercy, how I rejoice in thy ineffable happiness! Truly, with fullest justice did the angel say to thee: “Thou hast found grace with God.” And in what measure hadst thou found grace! Thou hadst not only received the fullness of grace thyself, but, in thy adorable Son, the source and fountain-head of all graces and merits. Oh, how rich and happy art thou! Pray incessantly for me that thy Divine Son may pardon all my sins and endow me with grace, wisdom and divine love. Pray that He may grant me a happy death, be merciful to me in Judgment and receive me into the abode of eternal peace and bliss.

Resolution: I will manifest great modesty and reserve in my words and actions.

Spiritual Bouquet: “Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.”

Prayer: Remember, O most gracious Virgin …




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