In previous weeks we reflected on women in the Old Testament. This week, we continue our journey as we turn to women in the New Testament. Mary, the mother of Jesus, embodies humility and unconditional obedience to God’s will in a way that is both profound and inspiring. At the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel announces that she will conceive and bear the Son of God, Mary responds with words that echo through the ages: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). These words reveal her humility—not a passive or resigned humility, but one of active trust and faith in the plans of God, even when those plans disrupt her life in unimaginable ways.
 
Mary’s humility is not the negation of self but the profound awareness of her place in God’s larger story. She recognizes her identity as God’s servant, choosing to align her will with His, despite the uncertainty and challenges she will face. This humility is complemented by remarkable strength. To say “yes” to God in such a radical way required courage. Mary was not shielded from the human cost of her obedience—misunderstanding, fear, and sorrow would mark her journey. Yet she embraced God’s will with unwavering faith, demonstrating a strength born not of human power but of trust in God’s grace.
 
Mary’s response to the divine calling inspires us to reflect on our own responses to God’s invitations in our lives. How often do we hesitate when God calls us out of our comfort zones? How often do we allow fear or self-doubt to cloud our trust in God’s plan? Mary teaches us that true humility is not about diminishing our worth but about opening ourselves to God’s purpose for us. Her willingness to trust God, even without fully understanding His plans, reminds us that our “yes” to God is not dependent on perfect knowledge but on faith and surrender.
 
Moreover, Mary’s life is a testament to the harmony of humility and strength. In her Magnificat, she proclaims, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant” (Luke 1:46-48). Here, humility and strength are intertwined: her humility magnifies God’s greatness, while her strength in proclaiming His works challenges us to be courageous witnesses of His love and justice.
 
In our daily lives, Mary’s example encourages us to approach God with open hearts, ready to embrace His will. Whether we are called to serve in small, unseen ways or in roles that demand great sacrifice, her life reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient for every task He entrusts to us. By following Mary’s example, we, too, can become vessels of God’s love and instruments of His will.
 
May we, like Mary, say “yes” to God with humble trust and courageous strength, allowing His will to be done in our lives. In doing so, we magnify the Lord and become living reflections of His grace and mercy in the world.