The Annunciation: The Great Yes!

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord comes each year on March 25 to remind us of the great "Yes" proclaimed by Mary, which changed the world forever. The Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the Mother of God and should name Him Jesus. Mary's profound response, even at such a tender age, was a profound yes: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." [Luke 1:38] Because of her acceptance and courage in proclaiming her Faith through that great yes, we, in turn, have been empowered to say a thousand little yesses in our own lives that continue to proclaim the greatness of God and to change the world. 

Mary's life is an example for all of us, and her love of God transformed the world and united us to her, so that we, too, might know the great joys of surrendering to God. Each time we say yes to something that is difficult, we honor God. Each time we take it upon ourselves to say yes to what our family needs, we raise ourselves in His name. Every time we say yes to the poor, homeless, lonely, needy, unworthy, imprisoned, addicted, dying, forgotten, lost and unwilling, we raise up our fellow human beings to their rightful place in God's Kingdom. Whether they accept our yes, our help or assistance, or not, we continue Mary's great yes and contribute to her legacy.

How many times in our life has it been so easy for us to say "No," to walk away, clean, unscathed and without diminishment to ourselves? How many times in our life have we regretted saying no and not saying yes to someone who asked for our assistance? How much will it take for us to know, appreciate and accept that God blesses each and every yes that we say in His name and sustains us with Graces untold?  

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