Trusting in God’s Plan and Saying Yes Like Mary

“And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:28-30

As the end of my first semester of college coincides with the Advent season, I have found myself reflecting on the role I’m meant to play in life. Faced with the pressures of classes, selecting a career path, and what feels like having to plan out the rest of my life, it can be easy to feel the anxiety creep in. In today’s Gospel, we hear the story of Mary being told her role in life—to be the mother of God. Hearing the words of angel Gabriel first left her feeling troubled. How many times do we feel troubled when pushed by God in a new direction? Oftentimes, following God’s will for our lives means stepping outside of our comfort zone, or changing the course of OUR plan for life. But the angel Gabriel tells Mary not to feel that fear. But rather, to trust that nothing is impossible with God.

As today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, let us heed Mary’s example of utter faith in the Lord. As she said her faithful yes to God’s plan, letting go of any future plans or anxieties that she had, she gave us all the example of obedience and trust in God. With planning out the future often feeling so daunting, it can feel so peaceful to give our lives up to the Lord. To allow Him to shape our hearts, minds, and souls in a way that serves Him and contributes to the purpose He has for each of us in this life. As we continue on in this Advent season and journey of life, let us submit ourselves and our anxieties of the future to Him, so that we can say “yes” to His calling for our lives.