"Here I am, O Lord, I come to do your will".

We celebrate today a great day of decision, Mary's acceptance of the role God had chosen for her in his plan of redemption. We think of the consequences of this decision in our lives and in our world. Mary's "Yes" enabled Christ to come among us - to dwell with us. For Mary, this was not an easy decision but she was assured that she need not be afraid. The Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her. Mary said her "Yes" trusting in God and not in herself. She must have renewed this "Yes" many times during her life as she grew to understand more fully the mission of her Son.

Christ also on coming into the world uttered these same words, "God here I am, I am coming to obey your will." His offering of Himself replaced all the other sacrifices and offerings. We too have been chosen by God and He has His plan for each of us. In our lives we too face moments of decision, decisions that affect not only ourselves but also those around us.

Let us today ponder with Mary and ask for the strength to know and to do what God wants us to do, and let us not be afraid because God is with us and nothing is impossible with Him.