I wonder how many Catholics know the Angelus. The prayer itself might not be as well known as the famous painting L’Angelus by Jean-Francois Millet, depicting a man and woman pausing their work in the field to pray the noontime prayer.
Some Catholic school students might still take a few moments to recall the moment of the Annunciation as the prayer begins “The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,” followed by the response “And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.”
Surely the prayer is still said morning, noon and night in some monasteries and convents, but what about the rest of us Catholics in the daily grind? Is it not also important for us to take time in the middle of the day to recall the most important moment in the history of mankind?
At this time of year, there’s something particularly poignant about Millet’s depiction of the Angelus. It’s harvest time for most of us right now, whether in your own garden, at the local farmer’s market, or even the grocery store. Fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful as these last days of summer meld into early autumn. Probably some people see Millet’s work as a statement of gratitude for the harvest, taking time to acknowledge in prayer the creator of everything we receive from this earth, and that’s certainly part of the message of this piece of art.
I think Catholic eyes could see this mid-19th century French artist’s depiction a little differently. I think it is a statement about the power of prayer habits. These two people depicted, presumably husband and wife, are obviously in the middle of the hard work of harvesting their garden. They are busy. But, despite their busy-ness, they take the time to pray because they have cultivated the habit of prayer, just like they have cultivated the land.
Not only that, but they have forged this habit of prayer together, as a couple. It appears they have been digging up potatoes, the basket is filling up, but even though they might be close to finishing and the clouds are moving in threatening rain, they stop mid-task to give God his due.
The Angelus recalls the moment of the Incarnation of the Son of God, when the Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus Christ. This prayer reminds us to come to a full stop in between our busy morning and our busy afternoon, to acknowledge the reason we are on this earth – to give glory to God. We are also reminded of Mary’s incredible faith and willing response to be the mother of God’s son. We often need that example of faith in the middle of a challenging day.
Father Mark Mary, CFR, has a short video (Pray All Day: The Angelus and Other Prayers to Sanctify Each Day - Ascension Press Media) that sums up the need for good prayer habits, including the Angelus. Father Mark Mary calls these moments of regular, daily prayer a way to check in with God and give him access to our lives; otherwise our prayer life will be inconsistent and not fruitful.
When we don’t nurture these daily prayer habits, what separates us from everyone else in the world who rushes through the day without much (or any) thought or time given to God?
What is it about us that lets the world or even our own families know that we put God first in our lives? Even more importantly, what habits are we cultivating that let God know that he is number one?
We can carry a rosary or wear a crucifix at all times. Maybe we faithfully wear a brown scapular. Some say grace before meals, no matter where they are or who is watching. We can be faithful to our morning and evening prayer routines. These are all good, prayerful habits, but could we up our game by praying the Angelus (and its Easter counterpart the Regina Caeli) every day at noon?
Perhaps our garden of faith is really small at this point in life. Maybe we are overwhelmed by the many ways the Church offers us to pray. Starting with the Angelus is a beautiful way to get things going.
Some people might say the prayer is old fashioned or “not done” anymore, but why not, if it works to keep our prayer lives on track and focused on God?
In this season of harvest, what are the faith habits in our lives that give us a bounty of grace?
Lazzuri writes from her home in Nova Scotia, where she lives with her husband, six children, and her mom. She can be reached at [email protected].