What would have happened if Mary had not said 'yes'? As we celebrate the Annuciation today, some may presume that Mary automatically and easily 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 simply being able to do what we want to do. Fulfillment comes when we place our freedom at the service of some good purpose. When we accept what God is calling us to do in this life and cooperate with God, this 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?