Music by Ennio Morricone – Gabriel’s oboe.
Gabriel, second in the rank of archangels, one of seven angels who stand ever-ready to enter the presence of God and be his messenger to mankind. He interpreted for Daniel the vision of the Ram and the He-goat, which foretold the destruction of the Persian empire. According to tradition he announced to Joachim and Anna the impending conception St Mary the virgin and told Zacharias that he would become the father of St John the Baptist. His supreme task was as the angel of the Annunciation when he was sent to tell Mary that she was the woman chosen to bear Jesus. Although not named, Gabriel is also assumed to be the angel who announced the birth of Samson to his mother and the one who brought glad tidings at the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds. According to tradition it was Gabriel who comforted Jesus during his agony in the garden of Gethsemane. He is also revered in Islam because he dictated the Koran to Mahomet.
It is said that it is Gabriel that will sound the horn to announce the end of time. Advent, (coming) a time of expectant waiting and preparation.
Note to morning office: Am I ready?
2 comments:
Gabriel. I've always been fond of his name. The sound of it is pleasing to me. Thank you for this summary of his role in history. I didn't know a lot of this.
The music you have accompanying your post is one of most favourite pieces. It is hauntingly beautiful. Though I knew the name of it, I hadn't made the connection to Gabriel the archangel!
I hadn't thought about the connection either, until Fr Andrew chose it as his "theme tune" a game played at a recent social event. I chose for myself the music to the TV show "Last of the summer wine" :)
Post a Comment