Our Lady’s Messenger (II)

(The evangelist) says: "The angel Gabriel was sent by God". His name is not without meaning to the message with which he is charged. Indeed, which angel would have been better to announce the coming of the Christ - who is God’s virtue - than the one who has the honor to be called the Force of God? Because what is force, if it is not virtue? (...) If he is called the Force of God it is either because he has been chosen to announce the coming of this force itself, or because he was meant to reassure a naturally timid, simple and modest virgin that would have perhaps been disturbed by the news of the miracle about to be achieved in her womb. Indeed, he says to her, "Rejoice, you who enjoy God’s favor! The Lord is with you.” It is also possible to imagine that he came to give force and courage to the Virgin’s fiancé, this man of a humble and timorous conscience, although our evangelist does not specify this. Indeed, Gabriel says to him: "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife." Therefore the choice of Gabriel for the messenger is totally relevant for the mission that he was meant to fulfill, or indeed it may be that he was called Gabriel because of the mission that he was meant to fulfill.