Understandably enough, we make the Birth of Jesus one of the greatest celebrations of the year, so much so that - even if not understood - it is celebrated by people one way or another all over the world. Perhaps, however, the greatest moment in our human history is being remembered today on this Feast of the Annunciation. The Gospel today only speaks of the dialogue between Mary and God's messenger. Mary is a young woman - probably still a teenager - in a small town in a remote part of the world, a place very few people had ever heard of. "Can anything good come from that place?" was the comment of a future disciple of Jesus. An extraordinary request is made of her, one which she does not fully understand and one which seems to violate her moral code - to become a mother before being married to her future husband. Yet, she said a simple 'Yes'. A 'Yes' made without any conditions and a 'Yes' which would never be withdrawn in spite of many painful experiences to come - most of all at the end of her Son's life. But it was that 'Yes' which set in motion this extraordinary event - the entry of God's Son into our human situation and the beginning of our salvation and redemption. Let us say a very special thanks to Mary today and let us ask her continually to imitate her unconditional 'Yes' to God's will.