Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation. This is the feast that inaugurates Jesus into history.
The angel Gabriel comes to Mary and imparts the invitation for her to "rejoice."
"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you."
The greek word for "Hail" is "rejoice" to leap for joy.
Interesting note: The last time the angel Gabriel appears in the OT is to the prophet Daniel, Chapter 9.
Daniel was seeking to understand the scriptures and seeking to understand when fulfillment of time would come. He beseeches God for guidance and for understanding.
The angel Gabriel is sent to help him understand.
Daniel 9:21-25 "I was still occupied with this prayer when Gabriel, the one whom I had seen before in a vision, came to me in rapid flight at the time of evening sacrifice. He instructed me in these words, 'Daniel, I have now come to give you understanding. When you began your petition, an answer was given which I have come to announce, because you are beloved. Therefore, mark the answer and understand the vision:
Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and for your holy city. Then transgression will stop and sin will end, guilt will be expiated, everlasting justice will be introduced, vision and prophecy ratified, and a most holy will be anointed..."
The appearance of Gabriel to Mary, marks the fulfillment of the prophecy, the coming of the end of guilt and promise of the anointed one is to be realized.
Gabriel comes to announce again that the fullness of time has come...rejoice!
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