3RD WEEK OF ADVENT

May it be done to me according to your word.

This was the most important moment in Mary’s life. It was the moment she said yes to the angel Gabriel and agreed to be the Mother of God. We can only imagine how she must have felt. What amazement must have been in her heart as she heard Gabriel’s announcement. What a tremendous sense of joy—and awe—she must have experienced as she answered, “May it be done to me” (Luke 1:38).

But consider the other times Mary said yes—for example, when Joseph asked for her hand in marriage. Or when there was no room for them in the inn at Bethlehem, and she had to give birth in a stable. Or when Joseph told her that they would have to flee to Egypt. Or when Jesus left to do his public ministry. Or, last but not least, when she saw him hanging on the cross. In all these examples, Mary embraced and welcomed God’s will.

And what about us? You might find it hard to compare yourself to Mary. You may think your decisions are not as significant as her assent to become the Mother of God, but they are still very important to God. You might have said a big yes to Jesus at one time: perhaps when you were confirmed or when your faith was awakened as a young adult. Maybe your yes happened when you got married or became a priest or entered religious life.

But don’t just think about these big momentous decisions. Think also about all the other times you surrendered to the Lord’s will, either before or after those pivotal moments. These smaller decisions both prepared the way and helped you stay true to your calling. They opened your heart to the Lord even wider and enabled you to follow him more fully. Like Mary, with every yes, you participated in God’s plan to make Jesus present in the world.

As Christmas approaches, spend some time praising God for every step of faith you can recall. Thank him for the grace he gave you to say yes. And thank him for all the good that came every time you surrendered to him!

“Lord, help me to welcome your will in every moment. May each yes bring me closer to your heart and bring you more fully into the world.”

Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 1:26-38