Today's gospel makes clear that Mary's status as mother of God, presupposes her response to the angel Gabriel with that magnificent expression of love and trust and generosity: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word" (Lk. 1:38). All the privileges, titles and honours accorded to Mary derive from this moment of unconditional self-surrender to the plans and will of God.

We live in a world of so much sin and violence that we are tempted to wonder whether the light really can overcome the darkness, as John's Gospel promises (1:5). But we are immensely reassured as we celebrate each year this fiat of our sister Mary. Mary's willingness to accept a mysterious mission from God which, as she surely must have suspected, would lead to grievous suffering but out of her willingness to do whatever God asked of her our saviour was born. We too need to make difficult choices that may demand much love and courage. And we too are aware that it may be very painful to remain faithful to the choices that God expects of us. In such situations, the generosity of Mary remains a wonderful model for us. Moreover, we can be sure that her maternal solicitude will accompany us as we try to live in accordance with our best instincts. With God'' grace and through Mary's intercession we pray: