Today, Luke "prepares the terrain" to historically frame up the narrative of the incarnation of the Son of God. In addition first to a chronological aspect ("in the days of Herod"), his Gospel begins by recounting the origins of the Baptist, the immediate precursor of Jesus Christ. Both are conceived through divine intervention, after a special announcement whose presenter is the Archangel Gabriel.

The similarity between the two "Announcements” will help to bring out, by contrast, the fullness of grace in Mary and His divinity, in Jesus. Given the magnitude of the announcement and its circumstances, it is surprising that Zechariah demands a proof to the Archangel. Mary, instead, six months later, will not do it. Consequently, during the Visitation, Elizabeth —Zechariah's wife and mother of the yet unborn Baptist— will greet Mary with the first beatitude of the Gospel: "Blessed are you who believed" (Lk 1:45). Mary is the quintessential believer, the pure and perfect faithful.

—Although the Angel will not visibly manifest himself into my "home", God has a project for me. Mary, help me listen to Him confidently.