# Mary’s Yes: An Advent Model of Faith
*2019-12-10*

> Bill Young reflects on Mary’s “yes” to God, explores how her surrender shapes our Advent journey, and offers prayers and meditations to deepen our hope in God’s promises.

## Opening and Context

Good evening, I’m Bill Young. I’m sorry for my hoarse voice—my cold has returned—but I’m grateful we can continue our Advent meditation. Last week we read the Gospel of the Coming One for the first week of Lent. To catch up, today we focus on Wednesday’s reading, the Annunciation (Luke 1:38): “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Mary’s “yes” is not merely a consent to bear Jesus; it is a commitment of her whole life to God.

## Mary’s “Yes” and Our Own Response

When Mary says “yes,” she embraces a life wholly surrendered to God. We are not perfect like Mary—indeed, we are all sinners—but prayer, especially the Rosary, helps us grow toward that surrender. Father Henry reminds us that in meditation we often think of many things, yet when we sit with Mary’s words we find peace and joy. She does not question the angel’s authority; she trusts God’s plan even though it will radically interrupt her life.

## Prayer and Reflection

Father Henry’s prayer for us reads:

“Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by you, follow your perfect will, and respond to the slightest prompting of your grace, that I may be your trustworthy instrument.”

St. Teresa of Avila’s prayer follows, asking God to help us respond to His will in all things, great and small. These prayers invite us to echo Mary’s openness in our own lives.

## Hope in God’s Promise

The Advent theme this week is “Hope in God’s Promise.” Psalm 33:22 says, “May your mercy, Lord, be upon us as we put our hope in you.” Father Henry notes that the people of the Christmas story—Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, Simeon, Anna—waited with hope, trusting the fulfillment of God’s promises. Their hope was not wishful thinking but confident expectation of God’s coming.

## Living Mary’s Example Today

St. Elizabeth of the Trinity writes that Mary’s attitude during the months of the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus is a model for all interior souls. By following her example, we can bring peace and reconciliation into even the most ordinary moments of our day, allowing God’s presence to make the trivial divine.

*May we, like Mary, say “yes” to God’s word and let that “yes” shape our whole lives.*