Yes of Full Consent

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil
Like Mary, may we ask God with humility and trust, always ready to say YES to His will.
Reflection Date: December 20, 2024 Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Daily Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38

We are all familiar with today’s Gospel story—an angel appears to Mary, telling her she is going to bear a Son, and she will name Him Jesus. Mary asks how this can be, the angel explains, and Mary says yes.

I would like to focus this reflection on Mary’s question, “How can this be?”

Was this a question of doubt or fear, or was it a question of humility? Did Mary feel unworthy of the great news being delivered to her? Or did she ask so she could understand something that she couldn’t grasp at that moment?

I’d like to think that Mary asked to understand so she could better cooperate and do what she was being asked to do. Her "yes" was not a yes out of fear, but a yes out of full consent and trust. She understood and trusted that everything was part of God’s plan and that God was in control.

What questions do we ask God? Do we ask to question Him, or do we ask so we can cooperate with Him? Do we ask out of frustration, or do we ask out of humility, open to whatever answer He gives us?

May we have the heart of Mary, ever ready to listen to and say YES to God’s message.

A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Ask God with humility and trust, be ready to listen and say YES to His will.