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The archangel Gabriel appears four times in Scripture: In chapters eight and nine of the Book of Daniel, and twice in the first chapter of Luke's Gospel. It is Gabriel who appears to Elizabeth's husband, Zechariah, and tells him that his prayers for a child have been answered (Luke 1:13). And it is Gabriel who greets Mary and invites her to become the Mother of God (1:26-28). It is this final appearance of Gabriel, at the Annunciation, that we want to reflect on in this article
In light of Christian tradition, it is not unreasonable to think that it was also Gabriel who appeared to St. Joseph in a dream and to the shepherds on Christmas night. It is also possible that it was Gabriel who came to strengthen Jesus while he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). All of these encounters were important, of course, but Gabriel’s message to Mary had a special significance, since it was the final piece of the puzzle of all God’s promises. Gabriel’s words to Mary make up the final prophecy—prior to Jesus’ conception—concerning God’s eternal plan to send a king who would save his people.
Three Messages, Three Responses. When Gabriel spoke to Mary, he gave her three different messages. First, he said: “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Then he told her: “You will…
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Are you not aware that all these supposed quotes are very unlikely to have actually come from the lips of Mary herself or Gabriel himself ? Luke the author has pieced together a few OT pasages in renedering the dialogue between Mary and Gabriel. Why do we strain credulity just to make it seem as if this actually happened as a video recorder might have recorded it? Why not look upon the pasage for what it is: a beautiful Lucan narrative expressing the miraculous entry of God in our time and space while honoring she who says Yes. In this way, the power and significance of the pericope does not have to struggel against a literalist and poorly historically supported actual “event.”
These quotes are told, as if it was video taped. It must have been told hundreds of times by the Apostles and passed down verbally from generation to generation, to the followers of Jesus until it was written down as a permanent record. The Apostles were tortured and put to death for what they preached. They were killed for the truth. The Holy Spirit gave them this conviction. They must have questioned Mary for truth. Does Luke add stuff like an appearance of an angel to make a point, I think not. He is not writing for CNN for profit or ego except to glorify Jesus. They know that faith is a gift and that gift is given in a spirit of truth and love. There is no hidden code, Luke said there was dialogue between Mary and Gabriel then we should believe him.
I agree with JAR!