Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”

luke 1:38

Luke 1:26-38

Reflection

The angel Gabriel comes to Mary and tells her she will bear a son Jesus, the Savior. Despite her questions of how this will occur, Mary does not hesitate and says yes – “May it be done to me according to your word.”

We can learn from Mary and follow her example in obeying God’s will. She willingly submits to his will, even if it doesn’t logistically make sense. It can be very difficult to follow the will of God, even when we know it’s good for us. Our human sinfulness gets in the way and many times we listen to our own will instead.

When we are struggling to follow God’s plan and doubt if it will “work,” turn to Mary and remember how she said yes in seemingly contradictory circumstances. She trusted fully, even if she didn’t understand fully. That is what we must strive for, especially when it’s the most difficult to do so.

Turn to Mary and ask for her intercession in obeying and following God’s will like she did. She understands your situation and desires for you to trust her Son completely. Do not doubt she will intercede on your behalf, for she is our Mother and we her precious children.

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Saint of the Day

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Juan Diego (1474 – 1548)

“Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything.” Mary to St. Juan Diego