And the angel left her.

“Gaudete in Domino semper”

And the angel left her.

These final words from the gospel reading at Mass for the 20^th December in Advent conjure up all kinds of thoughts. Especially for me about the immediate aftermath for Mary when the angel Gabriel left her. Alone with her thoughts, filled with the joyful glow of the words from the angel would have left her almost giddy with the overwhelming message she received. I wrote this with that immediate time afterwards in mind, to try to capture a little of the essence of this wonderful advent gospel reading.

And the angel left her.

Suddenly the angel left her.

A glorious vision, now a diffusing blur.

Gabriel’s presence had filled the room.

Light had vanquished any hint of winter gloom.

In one brief moment, he had spoken.

Listening was her task, in truth her limbs had frozen.

“Do not be afraid” reassured, love radiated, hope glowed.

The plan of love for the world, no longer a secret, flowed.

Softly at first his words came, then they tumbled forwards.

Until every sound filled her very being moving her heavenwards.

Imprinting upon her a most sacred melody.

“Nothing is impossible for God!”

for you have been chosen, O highly favoured maiden, Mary!

I am the handmaid of the Lord,

what you have said, may it be done.

Reacting to the wonderous invitation received,

she would give birth to the Saviour, her precious son.

Soon she lifted from her seat, joy pulsing in her head.

His words remained, her soul had been fed.

Gabriel’s greeting repeated inside her beating heart

Mary would willingly play her own unique part!

Fr Patrick Brennan 2023 December ©