On Sunday, March 23, 2025, His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak celebrated the Holy Liturgy assisted by V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Chamoun in the presence of V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Shabo and V. Rev. Fr. Saliba Er at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Paramus, New Jersey.
In his sermon, His Eminence spoke about saying “Yes” to God’s calling, just as the Virgin Mary did when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. He asked the faithful to imagine how they would react if God called them to something that changed their entire lives. He shared an analogy on Mary’s response to signing a blank check, giving everything to God without knowing the full plan. Even though Mary didn’t have all the answers she didn’t know how Joseph would react, how society would treat her, or how she would raise the Son of God she still trusted in the Lord.
His Eminence explained why Mary was able to say yes. First, she trusted God’s favor and second, she believed in God’s power.
Her final words, “Let it be to me according to Your word,” show the same faith that Jesus had when He prayed in Gethsemane, “Not My will, but Yours be done.”
His Eminence then asked everyone to reflect on their own lives. God still calls people today. Maybe He is calling someone to forgive, to serve, to step out in faith, or to be a spiritual guide to others.
In conclusion, His Eminence reminded the faithful that Mary’s yes made the Incarnation possible, and when we say yes to God, He moves through us. Lives are changed, His light shines in dark places, and His Kingdom comes closer. The Annunciation was not just for Mary, it was an invitation to be part of God’s plan for salvation. Today, that invitation is for us as well. Are we willing to say, “Let it be to me according to Your word”?
