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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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