yes!

image of Mary in the Church of the Annuciation in Nazareth

I had the opportunity over 10 years to visit the Holy Land. On our last day, we went to Nazareth and went to the Church of the Annunciation. It is hard to describe what it was like to read Luke’s account of the Annunciation in the very place where it happened. I have not read the story the same since. In that sacred place, God became human through the simple yes of a poor young woman. Mary’s yes has resounded since. Her yes to go to Bethlehem, to the wanderings in Egypt, to the letting go when Jesus began his public ministry, to the Cross and burial and to the glory of the Resurrection. Her yes resounded on the day of her death and call to the blessedness of heaven.

This story has always been about the call to a vocation even when you do not understand why or when you do not want it. To feel called to priesthood is a wonderful feeling, in the beginning. It is repeated multiple times throughout formation and the seminary. The day of priesthood ordination is a day of joy; the day after is the first day of many yeses and some are hard. I have often said yes but felt the no would be less work and easier.

I often look to the Holy Mother for the guidance I need to say yes to the things that come my way. I look to her and St Joseph for their guidance because Mary’s yes directly affected Joseph. I see them as a young couple who were faced with a tremendous choice; faith is what enabled them to say yes.

As we celebrate this feast, may we all say yes to the vocation to be a Christian and an everyday yes to all that means.