The Annunciation

The artwork depicting the annunciation visually communicates the agency of Mary, as Amy Peeler teaches in her book Women and the Gender of God. Peeler writes:

“The form of Gabriel’s statement, “you will conceive” leaves an opening for response. Gabriel does speak with indicative verbs—statements of fact—but these appear in the future tense. This is what will happen; it has not happened already. Gabriel does not tell Mary of events that have already occurred within her without her knowledge or assent. Note also that Gabriel’s words include no alternative, no punishment or threat if she does not embrace this word. Without such a statement, if she rejects, she would miss out on the blessing of mothering the Messiah, but there is no threat of repercussion if she chooses not to accept.”

Thus, in most cases, the angel kneels low in submission before Mary, revealing God’s plan to use her body to bring forth the promised Messiah, and he awaits her response. I love that God did not force His way into Mary’s body but sent a message in advance. 1 Corinthians 13:5 teaches us that love does not demand its own way. Thus, our God who is love (1 John 4:8) does not demand His own way, even with the plan for the coming Messiah.

In the piece below by Luca di Tomme’ that features a standing bow by the angel before Mary, I am overwhelmed by how she is surrounded by a crowd of saints and prophets, including her Levite ancestor, Aaron! They stand affirming her as one favored by the Lord (Luke 1:30) and whose body would become the holy tabernacle for the living God! She is from a priestly line doing priestly work!