Today is the feast of St. Gabriel the Archangel, 

who brought the joyous tidings of the expected birth of 

John the Baptist and Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

"And the angel answering, said to him: I am Gabriel, who stand before God: and am sent to speak to thee, and to bring thee these good tidings."

~ Luke 1:19

"And in the sixth month [of Elizabeth's pregnancy], the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin' s name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus."

~ Luke 1:26-31

What a mission with which St. Gabriel was entrusted! It's most interesting that when Zachary doubted that his elderly wife will conceive a child, the mighty angel punished him by depriving him of his power of speech. But when Our Lady said to the angel, "How shall this be done?" referring to the miracle of the Incarnation, he answered respectfully and gently.

This brings to our attention how deeply he respected and honored the Virgin Mother of God. It also shows how gentle and mild she was, while being very astute. She doesn't doubt that God *can* do it, but merely asks how He is going to do it. Saint Gabriel finishes with the beautiful words:

"Because no word shall be impossible with God."