Luke for Lent: 1:26-30

Word of God:

And in the sixth month, 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.

Word of Man:

There is no small controversy, along doctrinal lines, regarding the angel's greeting. "Full of grace" or "highly favored." Does it matter?

If Mary is "highly favored" how did she obtain this favor? By her own works? Surely not! Rather, by grace.

Is she merely special, or blessed, blessed among women, blessed among all mankind? How could someone else be more blessed than she who bore our savior?

So why was she highly favored? Because God filled her with grace from the moment of her conception so she could be a pure vessel for her savior, who has saved her from the very stain of sin.