Mary's "YES" Should be Our "YES" ~ by Ronnie Archer

In the first reading of this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we hear how King David was settled in his palace, and suddenly thought about how fine a dwelling place he had while the "Ark of God" was housed in a tent. David said to the prophet Nathan, that he would build a house for the Lord. God sent Nathan to tell David that He had other plans.

David was going to build an external temple, which was not in God's plan. God's plan was going to be fulfilled through today's Gospel reading from Luke 1: 26-38. God was going to build Himself a dwelling place in Mary's womb.

Very often we desire things that we consider "good" for us; but do we consider whether what we desire is according to God's plan for us? After David learned what God's desire was, his "yes" was being calm and peaceful, because he knew God and trusted God's plan for him. Therefore, he was comfortable with what God's desire for him was.

Blessed is the person who understands and trusts God's goodness for him/her, because God will reveal everything through them.

It is important that we understand that Mary knew very well that her saying "yes" to God, could have meant serious consequences for her. During that time, under the circumstances surrounding the event, a "yes" could have meant death. But Mary also knew the power of God, so she took the Word of God seriously and said "YES."

When we say "yes", we touch many lives. God transforms lives because of a "yes". Ask God for the grace to say "yes" to Him, as Mary, the Mother of Faith did, so we can be an instrument of salvation for someone.

Let's strive to try to live by the Word of God, so that He can have a dwelling place in each of our hearts. That is God's desire for us.

~ Fourth Sunday of Advent ~