Visions of Mary (6): Questioning

The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) of Jesus’ birth by Gabriel didn’t make sense to Mary. She wanted to understand, so she asked a question. Our faith grows stronger when we engage with God honestly.

My prayer:

God, As You know, I have a lot of questions. Thanks for hearing me out and helping me, over time, to gain more understanding.

The Annunciation statues are on the bottom left of the Tympanum of the south portal of the West Wall.

Scriptural Touchstone:
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be…?” Luke 1:34a (NRSV)

Notice the open book between Gabriel and Mary. It is a vital part of the image. God’s Word was being revealed in a new way.

Invitation to Pray:
What questions for God do you find emerging in your body, mind, heart, and imagination? Ask them in prayer.

Photos:
These images of the Annunciation on the tympanum of the South Portal of the West Wall were all taken at the Chartres Cathedral in France. The sculptures shown above were created around 1145. The photo directly above is found at the end of Monseigneur Pansard’s Foreward in Visions of Mary: Art, Devotion, and Beauty at Chartres Cathedral (page xvii).

To look inside (Introduction and Chapter One of Visions of Mary)
Available at
Amazon, Paraclete Press, and Barnes and Noble
Interested in buying the book in volume? Contact Sister Estelle at Paraclete Press for pricing options.

Posts that center on the images shown in Visions of Mary:

1. Visions of Mary: The Blue Virgin Window at Chartres
2. Visions of Mary: Looking Towards God
3. Visions of Mary: Notre Dame de Chartres
4. Visions of Mary: An Angel’s Perspective
5. Visions of Mary: Mary’s Example