What would have happened if Mary had not said 'Yes'? As we celebrate the Annunciation today, some may presume that Mary automatically and quickly agreed to the invitation of God.

However, God gave Mary true freedom. Fear of the unknown, lack of self-confidence or any other reason could have led Mary to say 'no'. Instead, amidst a challenging and uncertain future, Mary freely chooses to trust God. She decides to put herself fully in God's hands and believe that God will care for her. Mary is a model disciple.

True freedom is not merely being able to do what we want to do. Fulfilment comes when we place our freedom at the service of some good purpose. When we accept God's invitation to cooperate with Him, this acceptance brings blessing to us as well as to those around us.

We see this in the life of Mary. We see this in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

What is Jesus' invitation to me? It may involve challenge and uncertainty. Can I trust that God will care for me? Do I trust that saying 'yes' will bring blessing to me and those around me?