Catholic Review "Are you sitting down?"

I wonder what Mary was doing that day in Galilee. Had she been washing clothes or chopping vegetables? Maybe she was praying or thinking or reading. Maybe her mind was full as she thought ahead to getting married. Maybe her mind wasn’t on anything in particular.

Then there was an angel—an archangel—arriving with an announcement. And it was the most extraordinary news. He greeted her and invited her into a conversation that would change her life—and ours—forever.

I love how Gabriel conveys his message, gently, firmly, directly. He invites this young woman into conversation with a natural greeting, a blessing, and then words of assurance: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”

Then he delivers the most astonishing, miraculous news of all. He presents it as a gift, an incredible opportunity—and he explains in the most beautiful way, with context, with history, and with great clarity.

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

The news is, of course, the focus of the story. But I marvel at how Gabriel delivers it. I discover something different every time I read this passage.

How we share information matters. That’s why people put so much care into marriage proposals and pregnancy announcements.

It’s why when we call people with big news, we say, “Are you sitting down?”

It’s why instead of texting people difficult news, we text and say, “Can I give you a call? I have something I need to tell you.”

Sharing news the right way is a passion of mine. I love thinking about how to meet a person in the right space, at the right moment, so the news is received well—with an open heart, an open mind, understanding, the least grief, and the most pleasure.

I realize that the focus of the story is the Blessed Mother and her beautiful yes to God and to His will. I love that, too.

But I really appreciate how Gabriel delivers his message and sets the stage for a miracle that will change the world.