One can use God's gift of imagination to understand spiritual realities. For instance, St. Gabriel is described not just as any ordinary angel. St. Gabriel, we are told, is an Archangel. In other words, he is above a group of Angels. I don't want to go into great detail about the hierarchy of angels at this time for the sake of relevancy. But an Archangel would liken to a Bishop, who has been given authority over his priests, deacons and laity in his territory that he is assigned.
It is also believed that St. Gabriel, being an Archangel, can mean that he has authority and command over an army of angels serving under him. An Army of Angels is called Hosts. At the Holy Mass, we glorify the Lord using the Sanctus prayer: Holy Holy Holy, Lord God of HOSTS.
With this great authority, St Gabriel would bow down to no one, except to God. Why? Because he is an Archangel, a commander of a large Host. Other than God, St Gabriel does not bow down to any human person. However, sent by God, St Gabriel delivers an important message to Our Lady. It is here that Gabriel makes an exception. Because he will bow down towards Our Lady with this divine greeting: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you."
When we say the Hail Mary prayer, these are holy words. These are divine words to Our Lady from St. Gabriel. It was an honor for the Archangel to deliver this important message from God. Certainly the message is just as important as the person delivering the message. St. Gabriel humbly bows towards this perfect creature. This knowledge can help us tremendously when we pray the "Hail Mary" prayer, repeating the words of St. Gabriel, honoring the Blessed Mother.
Similar to St. Gabriel is another Archangel named St. Michael. Because St Michael is too an Archangel, he is a commander of a HOST. St Louis de Monfort once described Michael in regards to being sent by the Blessed Mother. He loves to carry out tasks or go on assignment for her. In other words, he loves to run errands for the Blessed Mother. When the Holy Mother sends St Michael for a special task, it is done with great joy and utmost care. What ever she wants, he will do it honor. You see, that means the Blessed Mother carries with her great authority and influence. Archangels bow down towards her. Archangels are at her beck and call.
The Annunciation is an important event, not only in e Church but for the entire world. Because at the Annunciation event, everything seemed to pause, everything stop! Why? Because the entire creation, angelic beings, covenant people, and people of all nations waited anxiously to see how the story will unfold. Why? Because the salvation of the world depended upon this encounter between divinity and humanity. Salvation of the world also depended upon Our Lady's response.
How will Our Lady respond to the Angelic greeting? How will she react to this news? Will she embrace this huge challenge? Will she accept this invitation willingly? Will she refuse, thereby altering the course of salvation. Will she give other reasons so as to avoid this big responsibility. Will she postpone her decision to give her some to pray about it?
But we hear her beautiful responses. Her first response shows her innocent and purity of heart: "how can this be, because I have no relations with a man." The Heavenly Father must have smiled when he heard that response. The Lord could not have chosen someone more pure.
Blessed Mother only said two lines at the Annunciation. Her second words were of profound humility and obedience: "Behold, I am a handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to Thy word." Her "fiat" is not just any 'yes'. Her willingness gave glory to Almighty God. I am a servant of the Lord. I will abide to whatever God wants of me.
May this mysteries help us to value the divine words of "Hail Mary" prayer. May it find a significant place in our heart if it has not already. Today on this Solemnity of Annunciation, let us honor the one, innocent and pure of heart, honored and loved by the Archangels.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
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