Little and Big Yeses

I have a confession to make: my relationship with Mary has never been as great as I would like it to be. I think part of the reason for my struggle can be illustrated in the event we celebrate today, on the Feast of the Annunciation.

Mary has a truly awe-inspiring encounter with the angel Gabriel. As I enter into prayer with this Gospel (Luke 1:26-38), I am filled with a variety of emotions: amazement, wonder, curiosity . . . and the feeling that this is highly unrelatable.

I ask the Lord about it, and the Holy Spirit invites me to take another look: the Feast of the Annunciation is, in part, a celebration of Mary’s yes to God. She lays down her hopes, her dreams, her plans, in total submission to the Lord’s will. Did she have an understanding of how this would change her life? I ponder. And not only hers, but the lives of countless people for generations—for eternity!

While I have never had an angel appear to me with a life-altering proclamation, I can still consider my own response to the Lord’s call on my life. How do my yeses—the big ones and the tiny, everyday ones—proclaim the Lord’s goodness and all He has done for me?

The Holy Spirit invites me and you to live more fully the present moment, and to open our hearts to His inspiration. Share a gentle word with someone who is driving you crazy. Offer hope to someone despairing. Welcome an outsider into relationship and community. Be kind. Choose love.

While it may be hard to see in the moment, each little yes we offer just might make an impact that lasts generations, too.

God, would You grant us the grace to truly delight in saying yes to doing Your will? Mary, most beautiful mother, pray for us, that we may have hearts ever more like yours. In the humble smallness of our lives, help us to know you are near.

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Be kind. Choose love. // @inendlesssongClick to tweet

Struggling to know Mary more? Follow our guide on praying the Rosary.