The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

The Announcement to Mary: Lk 1,26-38

Consider carefully everything that we are told in verse 26. How is it linked with the preceeding episode and what contrasts are emerging already?

Then consider what we are told in verse 27. Look at Is 7,14 (see also Mt 1,23). For betrothal, look at Dt 22,23 (and Mt 1,19). Then look at 2 Sam 7 as a background to this verse. What is the effect of this verse?

For the angel's greeting in verse 28, see Judges 6,12 or Ruth 2,4.

Compare Mary's reaction in verse 29 to that of Zechariah in verse 12.

Verse 31 echoes Gen 16,11; Jgs 13,3 and again Is 7,14 and also Is 9,7.

How do we understand "Most High" in verse 32? See Daniel 4,17. We have already seen the background of 2 Samuel 7.

For background to verse 33, consider Daniel 2,44 and 7,14.
For the house of Jacob: Is 8,17; Exodus 19,7 and Gen 46,27.

For replies similar to Mary's "but" see Judges 6,11-16 or Jeremiah 1,1,6.

The angel's reply in verse 35 invokes the Holy Spirit, already mentioned in verse 15. We can contrast verse 35 with verse 15.

Verse 36 refers to the fulfilment of the previous scene with the time mentioned again.

"For nothing is impossible for God" see Gen 18,14. What is happening there?

Mary in verse 38 echoes Is 49,3 (think of a more general term than the usual "handmaid"). For her acceptance, see verse 45.

Look now at my response.

We have now read the two announcments of births. This invites us to compare the two and see the the contrast between John and Jesus.

Then look again at my response.

In the next scene, 1,39-56, we read of the meeting of the two expectant mothers, traditionally known as the Visitation.