On March 25th, we will celebrate the Annunciation, the moment the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. Her response, Let it be done to me according to your word, is a profound act of faith and surrender. But what makes this feast even more meaningful is that it falls within Lent—a season of sacrifice, reflection, and conversion. Mary’s yes to God mirrors Jesus’ yes to the cross, and it challenges us to say yes to God in our own Lenten journey.
I would like to divide our reflection into 3 parts:
- Mary’s yes wasn’t easy. She didn’t have all the answers. She didn’t know how Joseph would react, how her life would change, or what challenges would come. Yet, she trusted. Lent is our time to practice that same trust. We might not see immediate change in our struggles, in our prayers—but like Mary, we trust that God is working. Where in your life is God calling you to trust Him more? Maybe in a challenging relationship with members of your community, a personal issue or addiction, or a need to surrender a power struggle control? What is it?
- Mary’s words, Let it be done. Lent invites us to make our own surrender: to let go of pride, hate, selfishness, fear. Let Mary speak to you, Lord, let it be done in my life! What is one thing you need to surrender to God this Lent?
- Saying Yes to God isn’t always easy. Mary’s yes meant uncertainty, suffering, and eventually watching her Son die on the cross. Our Lenten yes also requires sacrifice. We fast, we pray, we give—not out of obligation, but out of love. Every small act of sacrifice prepares our hearts to embrace God’s will, just as Mary did. Perhaps we can offer one sacrifice today—whether it’s patience, kindness, or giving something up—as a small Yes to God.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let’s ask ourselves: What do I need to surrender? Where is God calling me to trust Him more? Lord, like Mary, help me to say yes. Give me the faith to trust, the strength to surrender, and the courage to follow You. Amen.
Fr. Joseph Kanimea, MSC