Reflections on “The Angelus”

-August 17, 2008

This past Thursday evening, we celebrated Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary followed by our annual appreciation picnic and program. Among a number of things, we celebrated the restoration of our tower clock and expressed appreciation to the John Kuebelbeck Family and others who made this restoration possible. This historic time piece, installed in 1884, which then-Pastor Rev. Leo Winter hoped would inspire the eyes of villagers to turn upward toward heaven will continue to inspire generations to come. In addition to the quarter-hour chimes and hourly strikes, “The Angelus” is once again ringing over the city and countryside of St. Joseph each day at 6am, Noon and 6pm. At Thursday’s gathering, everyone received a beautifully prepared prayer card with a picture of the clock striking Noon on one side, and “The Angelus” prayer printed on the reverse side. Extra copies of this prayer card are available in the pamphlet rack at the back of church for any who may wish to have one. We’d like to provide some background and reflection on this prayer, as well as some thoughts on how one might deepen their experience of and appreciation for it.

The name of the prayer comes from the Latin version of the first words…”The angel…” (in Latin, “angelus”) The ringing of “The Angelus” is an invitation to momentarily stop what we are doing and pause to pray, recalling the mystery of the Incarnation. There is a famous painting called “The Angelus” by Jean-Francois Millet, 1857, which hangs in the Louvre, Paris. A farmer and his wife are working in the fields. They have heard the ringing of “The Angelus” from a church steeple, depicted in the background. They stand there in a moment of prayer amidst their daily labor, heads bowed and hands folded. Perhaps you might enjoy finding this painting on the internet or in art books from the library.

When we hear the angelus bell ringing, immediately the number “three” comes to mind. The bells toll three sets of three, reminding us of the three Hail Mary’s of the prayer text. However, the symbolism goes much deeper. The three sets of three also remind us of the scripturally-based versicles that introduce each of the “Hail Marys”. These three verses recall, in a clear and concise manner, the main “moments” that enabled the Incarnation to become a reality in the long story of salvation history. These three moments are: 1) the Annunciation, when Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to conceive and bear a son, Jesus, 2) Mary’s acceptance of this announcement; her “Yes” to God, and 3) the consequence of her “Yes” and therefore, what it would mean for the world, namely, salvation! The realization that indeed “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” is given expression in the joyful, constant ringing of the angelus bell which culminates, following the initial sets of three. Yes, the Angelus rings faithfully, day in and day out. Much like the Incarnation itself, it is present, active and effective whether or not anyone is actually aware of it, present to appreciate it or give witness to it. If it wakes you from your sleep at 6am, even then it mirrors the Incarnation, God’s very breaking into our human experience, becoming one of us and one with us.

Announcement, acceptance, and consequence: much deeper than merely reciting some “Hail Marys”, the Angelus is an opportunity for all of us to embrace an incarnational spirituality. That is, we can make a point of interpreting all of life through the lens of this beautiful mystery of our faith. Some examples: When we hear the angelus bell ring, we can ask ourselves, “How am I helping to make Christ incarnate, that is, more visible, present, a part of the world around me?” How do I value the gift of the time I have been given here on earth…i.e. the gift of my life…and how well am I using it?” “Do I live my life always with one eye fixed on heaven and on matters of eternal, lasting importance?” “What sort of things might God be “announcing” to me today, things God might be asking me to do?” “Will I accept God’s will for my life? Will I say ‘Yes’ to God today, as did Mary?” “What are the consequences of my daily decisions, especially when I cooperate with God and help Christ become more incarnate in our world?” These are the kinds of questions the simple ringing of the Angelus can keep before our minds and hearts each and every day.

-David Orzechowski, Liturgy & Music