Gabriel and the Annunciation

 As I was meditating on the Annunciation story recently, I thought about Gabriel, the angel who visited Mary with a special message. Gabriel, who had been with God from all eternity, knew God's plan of redemption. He knew that Mary would say yes to the request to give birth to the child Jesus, even though she did not fully understand how this would happen. Gentle and encouraging, Gabriel told Mary that she had found favor with God and explained that Jesus would be born of a virgin, not the normal way. 

How delicate Gabriel must have been in explaining this to a teenager who was so innocent. "How can this be?" she asked. The angel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and she would conceive. Mary's closeness to God enabled her to have the courage to say, "Be it done to me as God wills."

Just as Gabriel was a "ministering angel," we are called to take on that role in our world. We can be "ministering angels" to those who are fearful, doubtful, in need of reassurance. No matter who or where we are, there are people who need our care and attention. We can ask Gabriel to assist us in knowing what to say and what to do to approach others and make them feel blessed and special.

"Ministering angels" are in high demand, especially during this Advent season. May Gabriel guide us to those who feel abandoned and alone, especially those in nursing homes, orphanages, immigration centers, places of human trafficking, or on the streets. 

Come, Lord Jesus come!