Introduction
The Reflection on the Annunciation of the Lord according to the Gospel of Luke focuses on the story of the Angel Gabriel announcing God’s plan to become a human being, through Mary and how Mary responded to this revelation.
The Gospel Account
After the Angel Gabriel announces that Mary will conceive Jesus, she travels to the hill country to visit her cousin Elizabeth.
You can find the story of Mary’s Magnificat in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 26 – 38.
Click on this link to view the Gospel passage using the New American Bible translation.
The Five Decades
When you pray the five decades of this Rosary Reflection, use these five moments from Mary’s prayer in the Gospel. Read the Gospel verses for each decade and let the words sink in as you pray that decade.
First Decade: The Angel Gabriel Arrives (Luke 1:26-29)
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
Second Decade: The Angel’s Message (Luke 1:30-33)
But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her,“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
Third Decade: Mary’s Question (Luke 1:34)
But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?
Fourth Decade: Gabriel Answers (Luke 1:35-37)
And the angel said to her in reply, “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. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Fifth Decade: Mary’s Fiat (Luke 1:38)
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
What to Remember
This Gospel story shows how God began the plan of salvation of humanity by announcing that plan to a young Jewish girl, Mary. Mary realizes God’s action and intention to use her to conceive and give birth to God’s Son, Jesus.
Jesus gave His Mother Mary to all His disciples. As a follower of Jesus, you have the privilege of praying to Mary and following her example of following God’s will. God’s joy, blessing, mercy, justice, and faithfulness are present and active in your life and the lives of others.
When you listen to the words of this Gospel passage and take those words to heart, you grow towards a deeper realization that our best choice is to say “Yes” to God’s work in your life. Trust that God is all-knowing, all-wise, and works out all things for good throughout all of creation.
What to Pray For
Here are a few intentions to pray for:
- For greater openness to hear God’s action and work in your life.
- For deeper admiration of God’s saving action in human history, especially in the conception of God’s Son, Jesus.
- For greater awareness in the Church of Mary’s prayers and help in time of need.
- For a greater commitment to trust God’s invitation in the lives of your family and friends.
Feel free to pray the rosary using this Gospel when you want more connection with Mary, her love for God, and her prayers for you.
When This Gospel Appears
Luke’s Gospel account of the Annunciation of the Lord in the Gospel reading during various Marian Feast days, specifically on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. The latest appearance is March 25, 2022, The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.
* Scripture passages are from the United Conference of Catholic Bishops website, https://usccb.org/bible
