The Angel Gabriel was Sent from God

Jacob of Serug († 521)

Gabriel, the great chief of the hosts, descended; he went down to her as he had been sent from God, because she alone was worthy of the great mystery that was rich in divine revelations. With prayers and in clarity and in simplicity, Mary received that spiritual revelation. She being holy and standing in wonder in God’s presence, her heart was poured forth with love in prayer before him. She was in prayer as Daniel was in prayer (Dn 9:20-23) when this same Watcher of light descended to him; while Zachary the priest was standing in the sanctuary to pray before God, the Watcher visited him. This maiden who was capable of receiving a more important revelation, she was in prayer when she received the Watcher who had descended. Prayer that is unclouded conspires with God; it speaks to him, listens to him, and confides in him.

The Watcher had descended while Mary was standing in prayer; he gave her the greeting sent to her from the Most High: Peace to you Mary, blessed one, our Lord is with you; blessed are you and blessed is the fruit of your virginity. Then when she heard it, she was prudently reflecting on what might be the cause of this unusual greeting. The Watcher said: Do not be afraid, O full of mercy, the Lord has chosen you that in your virginity you might be his Mother. Behold, from this time you will solemnly conceive; you will give birth to the great One whose kingdom is without end. Mary said: How then will what you say happen since man has never been known to me, how will I bring forth? You have announced a Son to me but I am not conscious of marital union.

That moment was full of wonder when Mary was standing, conversing with Gabriel. One humble daughter of poor folk and one angel met each other and spoke of a wonderful tale. A pure virgin and a fiery Watcher spoke with wonder: a discourse that reconciled dwellers of earth and heaven. One woman and the prince of all the hosts made an agreement for the reconciliation of the whole world. They spoke and made peace for those who were wroth. Maiden and Watcher met each other and conversed on the matter until they abolished the conflict between the Lord and Adam. The great strife that occurred amidst the trees (Gn 3) came up for discussion and it all came to an end; there was peace. An earthly being and a heavenly one spoke with love; the struggle between the two sides ceased, and they were at peace.