The obedience of Mother Mary
Living Mary’s Humility Through Obedience to God’s Will
Obedience to God’s will is one of the hardest but most transformative aspects of holiness. Mary is the perfect model of humble obedience, trusting God completely… even when His plan was mysterious and difficult. By following her example, we can learn to surrender our own plans, fears, and desires to God.
1. Mary’s Obedience at the Annunciation? A Trusting “Yes“
📖 Luke 1:38
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to Your word.”
When the angel Gabriel told Mary she would be the Mother of God, she did not resist or demand explanations. She humbly accepted God’s will, even though she did not fully understand it.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- Obedience means trusting God even when His plan is unclear.
- Like Mary, we should say “yes” to God, even when it’s difficult.
💡 Practice: Each morning, pray:
“Lord, like Mary, I am Your servant. Let Your will be done in my life today.”
2. Mary’s Obedience in Serving Others
📖 Luke 1:39
“Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country… and greeted Elizabeth.”
Even after receiving the greatest news in history, Mary did not focus on herself. She immediately went to serve Elizabeth, demonstrating that obedience to God includes serving others.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- Obedience is not just about big moments. It is about being faithful in daily duties.
- We obey God by loving and serving others selflessly.
💡 Practice: Look for one way to serve someone today, without expecting anything in return.
3. Mary’s Obedience in Following the Law of God
📖 Luke 2:22-24
“They took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord… and offered a sacrifice of two turtledoves.”
Mary and Joseph were poor, yet they obeyed Jewish law and offered the simplest sacrifice. Even though Mary was the Mother of God, she still humbly followed God’s commandments.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- Obedience means following God’s law, even in small things.
- We should obey not just when it’s easy, but even when it’s inconvenient.
💡 Practice: Reflect on one area where you struggle with obedience to God’s teachings (for example, forgiveness, patience, honesty). Ask Mary to help you be faithful.
4. Mary’s Obedience in Suffering
📖 Luke 2:35
“And a sword will pierce your own soul.”
Mary obeyed God even when it meant great suffering. She did not ask to avoid pain; instead, she surrendered to God’s will with faith and trust.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- Obedience means accepting suffering with faith, knowing that God’s plan is always for our good.
- Instead of asking, “Why me?”, ask “Lord, how can I unite this suffering with Yours?”
💡 Practice: When facing a difficulty, pray:
“Lord, I don’t understand, but I trust You. Give me the strength to obey, as Mary did.”
5. Mary’s Obedience at the Foot of the Cross
📖 John 19:25
“Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother…”
Mary could have run away in fear, but she stayed faithful. She obeyed God by remaining at the Cross, trusting even when all seemed lost.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- True obedience means staying faithful even when life is painful.
- We must trust that God’s plan is unfolding, even in the darkest moments.
💡 Practice: When you feel overwhelmed, pray:
“Mary, stand with me as you stood at the Cross. Help me to remain faithful to God.”
6. Mary’s Obedience at Pentecost: Faithful to the End
📖 Acts 1:14
“They were devoted to prayer, together with Mary, the mother of Jesus.”
Even after Jesus’ Ascension, Mary continued in prayer, awaiting the Holy Spirit with the apostles. She never stopped obeying God.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- Obedience means persevering in faith, even when we don’t see immediate results.
- Like Mary, we should remain prayerful and faithful to God’s promises.
💡 Practice: Set aside a few minutes of silent prayer each day, asking God for the grace to be obedient.
How to Live Mary’s Humble Obedience Every Day
- Start your day with a “yes” to God’s will.
→ Morning prayer: “Lord, I am Your servant. Let Your will be done.” - Be faithful in small acts of obedience.
→ Follow God’s commandments in daily life, even when no one is watching. - Trust God in difficulties.
→ Instead of complaining, ask: “Lord, how can I serve You in this trial?” - Serve others with love.
→ Like Mary visiting Elizabeth, look for ways to help someone daily. - Remain faithful, even when life is painful.
→ Stand at the Cross with Mary in suffering, trusting God’s plan. - Pray for strength to obey.
→ Ask Mary to guide you when obedience feels difficult.
Final Prayer: A Prayer for Obedience
🙏 Mary, humble servant of the Lord, teach me to obey God with love and trust. Help me to say “yes” to His will, even when I do not understand. Like you, may I serve with joy, trust in suffering, and remain faithful until the end. Amen
