Mary Said Yes to God—Will You? A Question That Could Change Your Life

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, we reflect on a moment that changed the course of history: Mary’s simple yet profound “Yes” to God. 

When the Archangel Gabriel appeared to her, a young woman in an ordinary village, and announced that she would bear the Son of God, Mary responded with faith and humility: “Be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). 

This moment wasn’t just about Mary; it was the beginning of God’s eternal plan of salvation unfolding for all humanity. 

Mary’s “Yes” reminds us that God can work miracles when we surrender ourselves to His will. It also challenges us to consider how we respond to God’s call in our own lives. 

1. Mary’s Yes: Trusting in God’s Plan Mary’s “Yes” wasn’t made in a carefree or ideal situation. She faced uncertainty, risk, and potential rejection. 

Yet she trusted God completely. Her humility and faith opened the door for the greatest miracle: the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. * Faith Seeking Understanding: Mary didn’t demand full knowledge of God’s plan. Instead, she asked one simple question: “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:34). 

This wasn’t doubt but a humble desire to understand her role in God’s will. * Surrender Over Self-Reliance: Mary didn’t cling to her own plans or fears. Instead, she declared, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord.” 

Through her surrender, she allowed God’s will to work through her. 

What about us? 

Are we willing to trust God’s plan even when it’s unclear? 

Do we surrender our fears, ambitions, and pride to let God work through us? 

2. The Choice Between Yes and No Mary’s story shows us the power of a single “Yes” to God. 

In our own lives, every decision we make reflects either a “Yes” or a “No” to God’s will. * 

Positive Response: 

A “Yes” to God
Saying “Yes” to God means trusting Him and aligning our actions with His love. 

It could look like: * Choosing forgiveness over holding a grudge. * Offering kindness to someone who needs it, even when it’s inconvenient. * Making time for prayer and worship, even when life feels busy. 

* Negative Response: 

A “No” to God
Saying “No” often comes from pride, fear, or selfishness. 

It might look like: * Turning away from someone in need. * Clinging to anger or judgment. * Ignoring God’s call because it feels too difficult or uncomfortable. 

Every choice matters. Like Mary, we are called to say “Yes” and let God’s will transform our lives and the world around us. 

3. Responding to Challenges in Daily Life Mary’s “Yes” wasn’t just a one-time moment; it became a way of life. She continued to say “Yes” to God through every challenge, from raising Jesus as a child to standing at the foot of His Cross. In our daily lives, we also face moments that test our faith and humility. Consider these questions: * Do we trust God in uncertainty?

When life becomes difficult, do we respond with faith or fear? * 

Do we practice humility?
Are we willing to set aside our own plans and trust that God’s ways are higher than ours? * Do we allow God to work through us?
Like Mary, we are called to be vessels of God’s love. This requires surrender, faith, and perseverance. 

4. The Impact of Our Yes Mary’s “Yes” changed the world, and our “Yes” to God has the potential to do the same in our own sphere of influence. * 

A Yes to Forgiveness can restore broken relationships. * 

A Yes to Generosity can provide hope to those in need. 

* A Yes to Prayer can strengthen our relationship with God and guide us in His will. Imagine the transformation in our families, communities, and the world if we all responded to God’s call with Mary’s humility and trust. Responding to Negativity with Grace One of the biggest challenges to saying “Yes” to God in today’s world is the temptation to focus on negativity. Many people look for faults, criticize others, or dwell on what’s missing instead of seeing God’s blessings. But Mary’s example shows us how to rise above negativity and respond with grace. 

* The Danger of Negativity:
Negativity blinds us to God’s presence and the opportunities He places before us. 

Consider: * The people of Nazareth, who dismissed Jesus as “just the carpenter’s son” (Matthew 13:55). 

* The Pharisees, who criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, missing the miracle of God’s mercy (Mark 3:1-6). 

* Mary’s Grace-Filled Response:
Mary could have focused on the risks or doubts, but instead, she magnified the Lord, saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Mary teaches us to focus on God’s goodness, even when the path ahead is unclear or difficult. 5. Overcoming Negativity How can we cultivate a mindset of faith and gratitude, even in the face of challenges? Here are some steps: 1. Practice Gratitude:

Shift your focus to what God has already done in your life. Take time each day to thank Him for His blessings. 

2. Seek God’s Perspective:
When faced with difficulties, ask, “What is God teaching me through this?” Trust that He is working all things for good (Romans 8:28). 3. Forgive and Encourage:
Instead of criticizing or holding grudges, choose to uplift and forgive. Jesus reminds us, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). 

4. Respond with Humility and Trust:
Pray for the grace to surrender your fears and doubts to God. Trust His wisdom and love, just as Mary did. Following Mary’s Example Dear friends, Mary’s “Yes” was the humility that changed the world. It reminds us that every choice we make has the potential to bring God’s love into the world. 

The choice is ours: Will we say “Yes” to God’s will, or will we let fear, pride, or negativity hold us back? Let us choose to magnify the Lord, as Mary did. May we respond to God’s call with trust, humility, and gratitude, and may the Theotokos intercede for us as we strive to follow her example. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.