NOTES for Luk 1:26-38
Many times the Lord, or an angel sent by Him, began an address to people with the words “do not be afraid!” And how understandable is the fear people feel when they encounter something that surpasses them in every respect!
Yet we see that Gabriel’s address to Mary does not begin with these words. Mary’s response also corresponds to the greeting: she is troubled and perplexed; most likely, the full meaning of the greeting she heard did not immediately settle in her mind. But Mary does not experience fear comparable, for example, to that of Samson’s mother when the angel announced the coming birth of her son. And while it is important for Zechariah to know signs confirming the truth of what he has heard, Mary is open with her whole being to receiving what comes from the Lord.
Gabriel called Mary full of grace. We are so accustomed to this description being applied to Her that we risk overlooking how overwhelming it was for Mary to hear it. For the source of grace is the Lord, and Mary was aware of the gulf that lies between Him and human nature. But the Lord Himself, who gave Mary the Holy Spirit, made Her a participant in grace.