II. Paulus Bor "Do not be afraid Mary, you have found favor with God."
Introduction: In this painting Gabriel’s coming to Mary is depicted as an encounter of a
human being with the realm of God’s Divinity and Holiness. Such an encounter awakens
both fear and favor.
1. Notice the position of Mary. She is literally bowled over by her encounter with
Gabriel. Her chair is tipped over. She leans away from Gabriel as he stands over her.
The look on her face expresses surprise and concern. Through Gabriel, Mary
encounters the Holy God. The encounter with divinity has been fittingly described as
both overwhelming and attractive to human beings. Experiencing the holiness of
God is neither ordinary nor comfortable for us. God’s infinite majesty, awesome
power and transcendent mystery render us speechless. Prayer: My Lord and My
God, as I reflect on Your immensity and divinity grant me an increase in reverence
and holy fear in Your Presence.
2. While there are signs that show Mary backing away from Gabriel in fear, there are
other indications of intimate communion between the two. Gabriel doesn't just stand
over Mary, he leans in and draws close to her. Notice his hand, tenderly holding
Mary's wrist, communicating a sense of intimacy and nearness by his touch. His
other hand lays on his chest in invitation. The looks in his eyes is gentle and caring.
All these are signs of the attractive aspect of an encounter with God, Who is
supremely Beautiful. In prayer, God’s Glory – His magnetic beauty - draws us
irresistibly to Himself. Prayer: Lord, draw me close to You. Look into my eyes.
Open my heart to be led into new depths of intimacy with You. I long to see Your
glorious face.
3. Gabriel is dressed in liturgical vestments, probably that of a deacon. Whether deacon
or priest, the painting enriches our vision of the ordained members of the Church;
they are to be "angels" - one whose very identity is associated with the heralding of a
message. This image is also found the Scriptures. In Revelation 2-3, the bishop of
each of the seven churches is referred to as an angel. Prayer: Lord, use all the
ordained as Your angels – appointed heralds – for Your People. Anoint them with
the power of Your Holy Spirit, and open my ears to hear Your Word in and through
their words.
4. Rather than there being a stream of light from heaven or a depiction of the Holy Spirit
as a dove, this painting has a stream/shower of flowers (roses and lilies and other
flowers). A shower of flowers evokes a feeling of genuine affection, an outpouring of
gifts and graces that continues on and on. Their fragrance and beauty reflect God’s
pleasure in Mary while denoting her purity. Prayer: Lord, reveal to me the pleasure
and delight you take in me, just because I am yours. (Isaiah 62:4)
5. Gabriel is not entirely distinct. There is an ethereal, heavenly quality to him,
especially his wings, achieved by the manner of using light in the painting. Gabriel
brings a light to bear in the scene. Apart from Gabriel, there is a small candle that is
no longer an important source of light in the painting - once the light of heaven
enters. Prayer: Lord, I seek your light in my life. Dispel the darkness and reveal the
plan you have for me.