Much of this sermon’s appeal, though not all of it, lies in its close identification with the hearer’s experience - the thoughts, the pains, the fears, the objections. Acknowledging that there is "another way," other than that herein suggested, that which the text calls for may mean pain, certainly surprise, the sermon yet invites the hearers to move into the unknown - forgiving, loving - because, well, because "You have found favor with God." Is that all there is? Yes, that is all, but that "all" is everything. The sermon does suggest that the Incarnate Lord did come because of such adventurousness on Mary’s part.

Mary’s experience is the catalytic agent for the preacher, for the sermon, and for the hearers.

Our gospel text introduces us to a great mystery that has been part of the chur…