And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
38. Behold the handmaid of the Lord The holy virgin does not allow herself to dispute any farther: and yet many things might unquestionably have obtruded themselves, to repress that faith, and even to draw off her attention from what was said to her by the angel. But she stops the entrance of opposing arguments, and compels herself to obey.
We have here notice given us of all that it was fit we should know concerning the incarnation and conception of our blessed Saviour, six months after the conception of John. The same angel, Gabriel, that was employed in making known to Zacharias God's purpose concerning his son, is employed in this also; for in this, the same glorious work of redemption, which was begun in that, is carried on.
Commenting on Luke 1:26-38
Verse 38. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid (m), &c. This was an expression of resignation to the will of God, and of faith in the promise. To be the hand-maid of the Lord is to be submissive and obedient, and is the same as saying, "I fully credit all that is said, and am perfectly ready to obey all the commands of the Lord."...