I am awestruck contemplating Mary’s total surrender to God and powerful canticle of praise in response to the “biggest ask” in salvation history. Trying to put myself in her place, I struggle to focus on the Father’s goodness and the honor of being chosen, aware of the many fears, obstacles and limitations I would face and the daunting

responsibility of bearing and raising the Savior of all humankind. Truly this song is only possible through Mary’s profound trust in God’s goodness—a trust powered by His boundless grace. Thank goodness God never asks anything this difficult of me! Yet, in our lives, there are many “big asks” from God that require great sacrifice and surrender. And like

Mary, we can accept these missions if we trust in God’s grace. Then we, too, can sing praise for the opportunity to further Jesus’ work in the world.

—Deborah Morris Hastings, Friend of Villanova

PS The 2021 advent reflection is sponsored by the office of mission and ministry Villanova University.