"Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be to me according to your WordˇK" (Lk. 1:38) Such is the obedience of Mary, borne out of her faith, to the call to mission in bringing Jesus, the Good News to the world. By her 'Yes', she became the first disciple and a model one, a paragon of true discipleship. Her total 'yes' to God's plan in Jesus was followed by her visit to Elizabeth - immediate response to the call to mission. Like Mary, our 'yes' to God's will depends on our openness to his plan and faith in the providence of God. However, responses to God's plan involves the pain of surrender (Lk.2: 35). Yet with faith, we know that God is with us at all times.

Mary is the symbol of humanity welcoming God's word. So Mary can be said to be the figure of Advent. In quiet abandonment and self-surrendering, she awaits the Advent of God's reign. She teaches us the path of true discipleship. What does such disposition of total surrender say to us today? Are we ready to submit to God's plan?

As we celebrate Mary's feast today, let us ask Mary to accompany us in our daily journey towards God.