By Fr Mitchelly Kiun
THE Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, celebrated during Lent, invites us to contemplate the mystery of God entering human history through the humble “yes” of Mary. In the midst of our Lenten journey of prayer, fasting, alms-giving, and repentance, Mary stands before us as a model of faith, obedience, and trust in God.
When the angel Gabriel announced God’s plan, Mary was troubled and uncertain. She did not fully understand what the future would hold. Yet, in faith she responded, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). This moment reveals the heart of discipleship: surrendering our lives to God even when the path ahead is unclear. Often in our daily decisions and busy lives, we seldom have a good time to trust in God.
Lent is also a time when we face our own fears, weaknesses, and doubts. Like Mary, we may feel unworthy or incapable of fulfilling God’s call. However, the Annunciation reminds us that God’s grace precedes our response. The angel’s greeting, “Hail, full of grace,” reveals that Mary’s strength came not from herself but from God who filled her with grace. In the same way, God gives us the grace we need to follow Him.
Mary’s “yes” allowed the Word to become flesh. Through her obedience, salvation entered the world. During Lent, we are invited to imitate this openness of heart. Each act of forgiveness, charity, prayer, and sacrifice becomes our own small “fiat” to God.
Walking with Mary in this Lenten season means learning to trust God more deeply. She teaches us to listen, to ponder God’s word in our hearts, and to respond with courage. As we move toward Easter, may we allow Christ to be formed within us, just as He was formed in Mary’s womb.
May our prayer this Lent echo Mary’s humble response: “Lord, let it be done to me according to your word.”
For this reason, the Church has never grown tired of loving and honoring Mary. True devotion to Mary never distracts us from Christ; rather, it always leads us closer to Him. As many saints have reminded us, we never tire of turning to Mary because she always leads us to her Son. She is the mother who gently guides us toward Jesus and teaches us how to say “yes” to God.
Amen.
