As you begin your retreat, pause for a moment. Take several deep breaths, and allow yourself to grow still. Be aware of God's loving presence within you.

Luke 1:26-28

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you."

The story is familiar. The angel Gabriel delivers God's message to Mary. In that brief encounter, Mary's life is changed forever, and so is ours. She is invited into a unique relationship with God and after questioning the angel, accepts God's invitation to give birth to his Son. Just when she thought she knew how her life would unfold, everything was turned upside down. While free to say no, her yes brought God closer to humanity than ever imagined. Mary became the first disciple. In her, we have a model of what entrusting our lives to God looks like.

How do I make God visible in my ordinary daily life?

What do I want to learn from Mary about being a disciple of her Son?

(Speak to God, using these words or words of your own.)

Loving God, we honor Mary as the Mother of God and as our own mother. Help us to follow her example of complete trust in you.