God graciously gives to every Christian a personal vocation, a mission to fulfill, by means of which we are privileged to participate in Jesus’ redemptive work. Mary provides the proper response for us all to God’s calling: “Let it be done according to Your word.” (Luke 1:38)

As the holiest days draw near, let us especially labor to keep the eyes of our soul open wide to the light of faith so that, like Mary, we will understand that it is through suffering that God permits to cooperate with Jesus in the sanctification of souls.