Mary may have more in common with us than we realize! She had uncomfortable emotions that required discernment, even though the message she received from the angel was sent from our heavenly Father. The angel greets Mary with the words, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Luke’s Gospel reveals that Mary was “greatly troubled” and “pondered” this greeting (Luke 1:29). The angel then told her not to be afraid, implying that she probably was. She even questions the angel upon learning that she will conceive and bear a son though she is a virgin. Ultimately, even though she doesn’t understand it and seems to experience a host of emotions and uncertainty, she consents and identifies herself as a handmaid of the Lord, a servant of God.

We too are servants of the Lord by virtue of our baptism, and by participating in the sacramental life of the Church, this sheer gift of grace, we can live out our own “surrender” to God. It’s a type of surrender that is only made possible by a power greater than ourselves, one that Mary entered into with her emotions, questions, uncertainties, and, ultimately, willingness.

Reflection Questions

• How has the grace of the Holy Spirit increased in your life since you first encountered Step Three? What were/are some questions or fears you had/have about surrendering?
• Mary and Jesus give us perfect examples of surrendering to God’s will. Is there anyone else who is an example of this willingness to surrender in your life (even if not perfectly)?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:4-10
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

Reflection by Stephanie N.