The Feast of the Annunciation | 3.25.25

Today the Church remembers the Annunciation – when Gabriel came to Mary to bring the news that she had been chosen to bear the son of God, the Messiah, into the world.  I’ve written so much about this, as it’s one of my very favorite days of the year.  I’m reminded of Mary’s agency – how she could have declined this call.  I am inspired by the way she questioned an archangel, engaging in a theological debate with this one who had just come from wherever God lives.  And I always, every time, sink deeply into the words of the Magnificat, her song of praise: My soul magnifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior.  Yes.  And then she goes on to speak of the mighty being cast down from their thrones and the rich going away empty, and friends, we have ourselves a hymn of revolution. 

Artists throughout time have depicted the scene in their work.  Mary is often found reading when Gabriel arrives, a curious detail because in her culture girls would not have been educated.  Mary is often wearing blue or, as is the case in Henry Ossawa Tanner’s painting, the blue mantle is nearby, waiting for her to pick it up.  And there is also often a lily in the painting – considered her flower.  And the flower of resurrection. 

Today I looked to see if there were doorways and windows and corners in the paintings.  There are in some.  I’ve been thinking about the seasons in our lives when we are called to liminal living – to living in the in-between-ness of something that has passed and something that is yet to be.  Mary, on this day of the angel’s arrival, was certainly in just such a place.  In between being just another girl from Palestine and being the Theokotos, the God-bearer.

I am accompanying several people these days who are living in that liminal space.  I wonder how it is impacted by the trauma of our time?  I wonder if that collective trauma creates more fear and a greater unwillingness to step across the threshold into whatever is next – whatever God is calling us to and toward? 

My prayers this day are for those who are dwelling in this space, that they would have boldness and courage, as Mary did, to give ascent to what God has planned. 

The Annunciation by Henry Ossawa Tanner