Standing by the cross of Jesus

At the annunciation, the archangel Gabriel called Mary “full of grace” and told her God’s plan involving her to become the mother of the Savior.

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God’s promises sounded mysterious, and the angel mentioned everything in superlatives, especially the reign of her Son that was to be forever. But Mary was not deluded to think that henceforth life would be sweetness and light, with perks and privileges. Rather, the opposite would be true. Many things would be required of Mary, including heartbreaks and sacrifices.