What young Jewish girl would not have wanted to be the mother of the Messiah?
Who would have not agreed if God came to them and made that announcement.
Mary was blessed to be chosen by God for her job, just like every other person chosen by God to fulfill their part in His plan for mankind is blessed.
We might think that, but in reality people refuse to follow God all the time, despite being given wonderful gifts.
Let us not minimise the ‘Yes’ of Mary. The Incarnation of Christ depended on her absolute gift of self to God.
What young Jewish girl would not have wanted to be the mother of the Messiah?
Who would have not agreed if God came to them and made that announcement.
Mary was blessed to be chosen by God for her job, just like every other person chosen by God to fulfill their part in His plan for mankind is blessed.
It’s really important to interpret scripture in the context of chapter, book, culture and time. You nailed it.
I like to ask this question in Sunday School: Would Saul have ever became Paul had he not had the Jesus vision? And if not, why doesn’t he give such a vision to all people, converting all? This is why I really can’t boast about being a Christian because of who I am. I’m a “wretched man” as Paul described himself. I am saved because He chose me, not the other way around.
And the question all Christians should ask themself, for WHAT specific purpose did he choose me?
On the terms presented by Gabriel? None, without the divine assistance of the Immaculate Conception.