“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” What stands out to me most is Mary’s silence. She does not explain, defend, or complain. She does not try to resolve what she cannot yet understand. She simply holds everything in her heart before God. Her silence is not passive; it is trusting.

The words “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you” stood out to me as I prayed with this passage. What struck me most was Mary’s reaction: “She was greatly troubled and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” 

The birth of John the Baptist is announced by Gabriel. I was struck by the contrast with Zechariah. Standing in the holy place, addressed by the angel Gabriel, he responds not with trust but with questioning.