“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)
Today is March 25. It is exactly 9 months before Christmas. On this day, Mary gave her consent, her fiat, her “I do” to God’s Divine Proposal. On this day, that great miracle happened; through the powerful overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, the baby Jesus, the word of God, became flesh right inside Mary’s womb.
Today’s feast is a reminder that God does not force his way into our lives. He works in us only with our consent. As one Saint said, God created us without our consent but He will not save us without our consent. We always have a choice either to say “Yes” or “No” to God’s plans for our lives.
Great things happen when we allow God to have His way in our lives. The book of Hebrews says: “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, burnt offerings and sin offerings you take no pleasure but Behold, I have come to do your will.” Nothing makes God more pleased than seeing His children doing His will.
“You shall conceive in your womb and bear a Son and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.” How happy God must have been when Mary said “Let it be done!” Mary’s acceptance became the beginning of the fulfilment of God’s promises to the people of Israel which the prophets all spoke about.
Mary is the Virgin Isaiah spoke of as a sign to the people of Israel that God has finally sent them the Saviour they have been expecting. Yet, God requested her consent. God wants to do great and wonderful things through you but He needs you to say “Yes.” Yes to righteousness, yes to the will of God.
Another lesson we learn today is that we are not merely products of biology. God knew us before we were formed in our mothers’ wombs. Respect life. Respect the unborn.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, use me like Mary to bring your word to life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bible Study: Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10, Ps. 40:7-11, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38).*
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu