Luke 1:18-38
When faced with "these glad tidings" (v. 19), Zacharias just could not believe them. Nevertheless was not this the answer to his prayers (v. 13)? Alas! it happens that we too give up expecting from the Lord the answers to our prayers. When the heavenly messenger answers the question: "How . . .?", he reveals his real name: Gabriel which means God is powerful. Yes, His word will be carried out despite the sad arguments with which it was received. Zacharias will remain dumb until the birth of the child, while his wife Elisabeth, object of divine grace, hides herself modestly so as not to attract attention to herself.
Then the angel Gabriel is given an even more amazing mission: the announcement to Mary, the virgin of Israel, that she was to be the mother of the Saviour. What a marvellous event, with what far-reaching consequences!
We can understand the confusion and the emotion which seize this young woman. But despite the impossibilities which she raises, her question in v. 34 is not like that of Zacharias in v. 18 when he asks for a sign (a mark of unbelief). Mary believes and fully submits to the divine will: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord . . .". This is the same response that the One who redeemed us expects from us.