This sermon reflects on the angel’s message to Mary, emphasizing that “do not be afraid” means not letting fear control us, and highlights Mary’s courageous “yes” to God despite the real social, personal, and physical risks she faced. It explains that the annunciation is not a distant, sentimental scene but a deeply human moment in which God invites an ordinary young woman to partner with Him, showing that God works through real people, real fears, and real vulnerability. Finally, it invites listeners to see Mary as a model for their own lives, encouraging them to trust God’s love, promises, and support through others as they respond to God’s invitations, even when those invitations feel costly and frightening.
