>>18337502• Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite
† Luke 1:26–38 and 2:8–15
• Anchises “was among the steep slopes of many-fountained Ida / caring for his cattle. / . . . All the others were following the cattle at the grassy meadows” (54–55 and 78).
† Mary was alone in her bedroom (1:27–28). “There were shepherds lodging in that region keeping watch at night over their flock” (2:8).
• “Aphrodite, Zeus’s daughter, stood before him” (81).
† “The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee” (1:26). “An angel of the Lord stood before them” (2:9a).
• “When he saw Aphrodite’s neck and beautiful eyes, / he was terrified and looked away” (181–182).
† “At this word Mary was terrified and considered what this greeting might mean” (1:29). The shepherds “were greatly afraid” (2:9b).
• “Anchises, most glorious of mortal men, / take courage and do not fear greatly in your heart. / You should not fear suffering evil from me / or from the other blessed ones, for you are loved by the gods” (192–195).
† “Mary, do not fear, for you have found favor with God” (1:30). “Do not be afraid, for behold I announce to you great joy that will be for all the people” (2:10).
