Opening Game
Start this lesson plan on Mary’s Let It Be Done by playing Yes No Game (see the complete instructions). This game is all about saying yes or no to questions.
In life, we answer many questions without thinking much. We know what we like or dislike, so our answers are quick. For example, if someone asks, “Do you want fries with that?” or “Do you like spinach?” our answers come naturally. These questions are simple and don’t require much thought.
But some questions make us stop and think. “Are you going to the football game or Sue’s party this weekend?” or “Would you kiss a frog for $20?” These questions, even when silly, make us pause. We have to weigh our options and consider the results. Other questions, like “What will you do after high school?” require even more thought. These make us think deeply about our goals, values, and future.
Think about a recent time when you had to make a tough choice. Was there a question that made you stop and think? How did you decide what to do? Making choices is not always easy, especially when it’s something new or unexpected. It’s important to listen to our hearts, think about what is practical, and ask for God’s help. These moments are times for growth and understanding. They help us see more clearly where we fit into God’s plan.
Scripture Reading
Now, let’s look at a story from the Bible where someone had to make a big decision. We turn to Luke 1:26-38, where Mary meets the Angel Gabriel. This story shows us Mary’s moment of saying let it be to God’s will. Mary asks questions, listens, and then trusts God completely. Her yes to God helps us learn how to respond to His call with openness and courage. Mary’s let it be teaches us to trust God’s plan, even when we do not understand it fully.
Luke 1:26-38 (Mary Agrees to Be the Mother of Our Lord) – the Gospel Reading for the 4th Sunday in Advent – Year B
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, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Discussion
In this Gospel story, Mary faces a decision that is not only big for her but for all of history. When the Angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will be the mother of the Messiah, she has to make an important choice. Like all of us, Mary has free will. She could have said no. But even though she was confused and unsure, she chose to say let it be to God’s plan. This response shows her deep faith.
Think about Mary’s situation. She was very young, only about 14 years old. At that age, she lived under her parents’ care and was engaged to Joseph. Suddenly, an angel appeared with a message from God. This was a new and surprising situation. Angels are not everyday visitors, and their presence is often described as awe-inspiring. Mary was likely both amazed and a little afraid.
When Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” she was being honest. Her question shows that she did not fully understand how God’s plan would happen. It also shows that she was aware of the risks. At that time, an unmarried woman who became pregnant faced serious problems. She could be shamed, rejected, or even harmed. Despite this, Mary chose to trust God and say let it be.
Mary’s let it be is not just a quiet acceptance. It is a brave yes to God’s will. She said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” This response is full of courage. It is not about knowing all the answers or being free from fear. It is about trusting that God’s plan is good, even when we cannot see how it will work out. Mary’s let it be shows her strong faith and her understanding that she is loved by God.
Like Mary, we also have moments in life when we have to make choices. We might not see angels or hear God’s voice clearly, but God still calls us. Sometimes, God’s call feels different from what we expect. It might even seem scary or challenging. For example, God might call us to be kind to someone we don’t get along with, to speak up for someone who is being treated unfairly, or to stand firm in our faith when others do not understand it.
Mary’s example helps us see that saying let it be to God is not always easy. But it is possible, even when we have fears or doubts. We can ask God questions, just like Mary did. We can tell Him about our worries. But in the end, we are invited to trust Him, just as Mary did. We are called to be brave, to say let it be, and to believe that God loves us and wants the best for us.
We can learn from Mary’s faith in practical ways. First, we can practice trusting God in small things. For example, if you are facing a test or an important game, pray and ask God to be with you. Even if you feel nervous, you can say, “Lord, let it be according to Your will.” This simple prayer helps you remember that God is in control, no matter what happens.
Second, when you face a tough decision, ask yourself how Mary would respond. Would she pray about it? Would she trust God’s plan, even if it seemed unclear? Probably yes, because that’s what she did when the angel visited her. You can do the same by praying, talking to God, and asking for His help.
Third, remember that you are never alone. Mary had the help of the Holy Spirit, and so do we. When we ask God to guide us, He sends His Spirit to give us strength, just like He did with Mary. The Holy Spirit helps us say let it be in our own lives.
Mary’s story is not just about her. It is about us too. It shows that saying let it be to God can bring blessings to the world, even when it’s hard. Mary’s yes brought Jesus, the Savior, into the world. Our yes to God might not be as big, but it can still make a difference. God uses our yes to spread His love and grace to others.
So, when you think about Mary’s let it be, remember that it is more than a story. It is an invitation for you to trust God’s love and plan. Even when things are uncertain or scary, God is there, guiding you. Just like He was with Mary. God knows you, loves you, and calls you to say let it be. Will you say yes, like Mary did?
Small Group Reflection Questions
Welcome your small group and encourage open and respectful sharing. Let participants know that there are no wrong answers and that everyone’s thoughts are valuable. Remind the group to listen carefully to one another and to give each person a chance to speak. Encourage the youth to be honest and open, just like Mary was when she asked questions before saying let it be.
Discussion Questions
- What do you think Mary was feeling when the angel told her she would be the mother of Jesus? Consider how you might have felt in her situation.
- Why do you think Mary said let it be to God’s plan, even though it was difficult? What does this tell us about her faith and trust in God?
- Have you ever faced a choice where it was hard to say yes? How did you respond? What made it difficult, and how did you overcome it?
- Mary asked, “How can this be?” before saying let it be. Do you think it is okay to ask God questions when He calls us to do something? Why or why not?
- Mary’s let it be changed the world. Do you believe that your yes to God can make a difference? Why or why not?
- How can we prepare our hearts to say let it be to God in small, everyday situations? What are some ways you can be more open to God’s plan this week?
- Do you think it takes courage to say let it be to God? Why is trust in God important when making difficult decisions?
- Who in your life has been an example of saying let it be to God? What have you learned from their example?
- How can you support one another in saying let it be to God’s will? What can you do to encourage each other in faith?
- Mary was young when she said yes to God. Do you think age matters when God calls us? Why or why not?
Challenge
Think about one area where you feel God is inviting you to say let it be done. It could be something big, like a call to serve others, or something small, like a habit to change or a fear to overcome. It might also be a way God wants you to grow spiritually. Once you identify this call, try a simple practice to help you respond with a willing heart.
When you feel unsure or find it hard to say yes to this call, pause and pray. Quietly repeat the word Fiat. This word reflects Mary’s response to God and is full of faith and trust. If you can’t say it out loud, just say let it be done in your thoughts. Imagine yourself letting go and giving your yes to God, just like Mary did.
As you pray, ask God for help. Invite Him into your struggle. Pray for strength, courage, and wisdom to say yes. Ask God to help you overcome any fear or worry. This prayer is more than just saying a word. It is a way to open your heart to God’s grace and to let His strength replace your fear.
Saying let it be done is not only about accepting God’s plan, but also about trusting it. It’s an active yes to God’s love and will. This small prayer can give you strength, helping you say yes to God with faith and hope, just like Mary.
Prayer
As we finish this lesson, let’s pray together to honor Mary, who said let it be to God’s will. We will say the Hail Mary, a prayer that has been part of the Catholic faith for many years. This prayer reminds us of Mary’s role in God’s plan and her care for us as our spiritual mother.
As we pray, think about how Mary showed faith, courage, and trust in God. Let her let it be inspire us to do the same in our own lives.
Let’s pray together:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
In this prayer, we honor Mary and ask for her help. We ask her to guide us so that we, too, can say let it be done to God’s will. May this prayer fill our hearts with strength and help us follow God with faith, like Mary did.
More Resources
For more information, see https://young-catholics.com/5884/fiat-lesson-plan-marys-let-it-be-done/