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THE FIRST JOYFUL MYSTERY

The Annunciation

Let us remember how close to us all, even as to Mary, are God's angels and His holy inspirations.

1. The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a virgin; and the virgin's name was Mary. (Luke 1:26, 27)
2. Rejoice, so highly favored! The Lord is with you. (Luke 1:28)
3. She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean. (Luke 1:29)
4. But the angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favor.' (Luke 1:30)
5. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. (Luke 1:31)
6. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High; and his reign will have no end. (Luke 1:32, 33)
7. Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?' (Luke 1:34)
8. The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. (Luke 1:35)
9. And so the child will be hold and will be called Son of God. (Luke 1:35)
10. 'I am the handmaid of the Lord', said Mary 'Let what you have said be done to me." (Luke 1:38)

Meditations by Richard Cardinal Cushing