This reflection is based on Luke 1:26-38 for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
“You are not nearer God than we,” the angel declares almost resentfully to Mary in Rilke’s poem “Annunciation: Words of the Angel.” But no sooner has the angel said these words when he gazes into Mary’s eyes and is stunned by God’s shimmering presence in her. In fact, so surprised is the angel, according to Rilke, that he nearly forgets the message he has been sent to announce in the first place.
