The Annunciation
The Annunciation is the first Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. Gabriel announces that Mary will become the mother of Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit. Mary freely consents to God's will.
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Scripture
Luke 1:26-27
Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Spiritual fruit: humility
Mary receives the word of God
The Annunciation is the first Joyful Mystery. Luke begins by naming a place and a person: Nazareth, and Mary. The angel brings Mary a message that will change her life: the Son of God will become man, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and she is called to be his mother.
Luke 1:26–38 records Gabriel's greeting, Mary's question, and her consent. Her response is free and faithful. The Catechism, in paragraphs 484–494, places this encounter within the mystery of the Incarnation and reflects on Mary's obedience of faith.
The fruit of humility
Mary receives the angel's promise as a gift from God. She listens, asks how it will come about, and offers herself to his will. Her consent gives us something to consider when a responsibility comes unexpectedly or a correction is difficult to accept. We ask for the humility to listen.
Luke gives no account of Mary receiving a detailed description of all that lies ahead. Her trust rests in God. She accepts the call to become the mother of Jesus, though much of what this will mean remains hidden from her.