“Jesus, takes the initiative to meet man through his Mother.” (Msgr. Sanchez)

As I continue to read, ponder and reflect on the role of the Virgin Mary, I come to love her and honor her all the more. Her fiat was a blank check paid for in tears and with immense love. She could not have known all that would come her way with that yes, but what a model in humility, trust, and surrender to the Divine Will.

“I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done unto me according to your word.” said the Mother in response to the Angel Gabriel. “Not my will, but Yours be done” said the Son to the Father.

Like Mother, like Son.

What will the children of the Father do in imitation of such witnesses?

I try and remember this as I go about my day when things do not go as planned, when others abuse my trust, disappoint me…when I want to walk away; I surrender and say ‘yes” for the thousandth time in imitation of my Mother who must have said it again and again with every breath she took.

Walking away, quitting, giving up when it gets tough out there is easy. It is simple to throw up our hands, shake our heads and acknowledge defeat. It is a whole different matter in the face of injustice, hate, persecution and deceit to roll up our sleeves, say a prayer and face the torrent. Yet, that IS what we are called to do. Every moment of every day that we breath oxygen, we are called to let our little light shine in the darkness.

A single light can shatter the darkness.

Mary was a radiant light in the midst of a very dark world. A young woman remaining faithful despite the odds. She was so in tune with God, so disposed to His tiny whisper, that the only proper response to His messenger was yes. Was she frightened? Sure, who wouldn’t be. It can be downright nasty and wicked out there in the world.

But like this beautiful model of humility and love, let us say yes too; and little by little it won’t be quite so dark out there if we ALL let our little lights shine.

Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.