Posted by Chuck Scherl
Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives
by Pope Benedict XVI
Pages:25-28 Ch II: The Annunciation to Mary
Pope Benedict XVI says that the angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you,” is the real beginning of the New Testament. This message is special because it doesn’t just announce something for Mary but for everyone in the world. The word “Rejoice”, (chaíre in Greek) is an invitation for joy—joy that comes from God and is shared with all people. The Greek greeting is significant because it wasn’t the customary Aramaic greeting of Shalom; instead, it was the dominant language used in trade at that time. This choice of Greek underscores that the message was meant for the whole world, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries.
This greeting connects to a prophecy in Zephaniah 3:14–17, where the prophet says, “Rejoice, Daughter Zion... The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.” What’s interesting is that, unlike most Old Testament prophecies that match events in the Old Testament, this one doesn’t have a clear connection to anything in that time. Instead, it points forward to the New Testament and is fulfilled when Mary accepts God’s plan and becomes the mother of Jesus.
There’s something very special in the way Zephaniah’s words are translated. The Hebrew word qereb often gets translated as “midst,” meaning “in the middle of.” But qereb can also mean “womb,” and in this case, it shows a much deeper meaning. It’s not just that God is close to His people—it’s that He is physically present within Mary. When Gabriel greets Mary, and she says “Yes” to God’s plan, the Lord of all creation, Her own Creator, literally comes into her womb. This makes the prophecy come true in a way no one could have imagined.
This moment is full of joy—not just for Mary, but for all of us. The joy that Gabriel announces continues through the whole story of Jesus’ life. It’s the same joy the angels spoke of when they told the shepherds about Jesus’ birth: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). And it’s the joy Jesus promised His followers: “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22).
This joy is much deeper than just a happy feeling. It comes from knowing that God is with us, loving us, and guiding us no matter what happens in life. It’s a joy that can’t be taken away because it comes from the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts and helps us live in God’s love.
Holy Father, Glorious Son, and Redeeming Holy Spirit,
You have filled me with a joy so deep that I can’t fully explain it. It’s more than just a feeling; it’s the comfort and peace of knowing You are with me. Even in hard times, even when things don’t go my way, You are there, and Your joy never leaves me.
Thank You, Lord, for this gift. Let my quiet rejoicing show in everything I do. Help me to act with love and be guided by the joy of Your presence and Your will.
Amen.
