Adult Track – Just Teach Sheet
December Week 4 (2025)
Theme: Advent & Preparation
Focus: Mary and the Obedience of Faith
Audience: Adults – practising, returning, or deepening faith
Weekly Goal
To understand Mary’s obedience as an act of faith grounded in reason, freedom, and trust in God.
This week presents Mary not as a sentimental figure, but as the model believer whose consent allowed the Incarnation to enter history.
Adults are invited to examine their own obedience to God’s will as a concrete, daily choice.
What You’ll Need
This sheet
A Bible
Quiet time for reflection
Optional: time before the Blessed Sacrament or at Mass
Opening Prayer (Daily)
Lord Jesus Christ,
You chose to enter the world through the obedience of Mary.
Grant me the humility to listen,
the courage to trust,
and the faith to obey You even when I do not see the outcome.
May I welcome You more fully into my life this Advent.
Amen.
Day 1 – The Obedience of Faith
Teaching
The Church describes Mary’s response to the angel as “the obedience of faith.”
This obedience is not blind submission but a free and intelligent trust in God’s word.
Luke 1:26–38
Catechism of the Catholic Church 144 and 494
Mary believed that God is truthful, faithful, and good.
Her obedience rested on who God is, not on her control of events.
Mini homily reflection
Faith matures when we obey before understanding fully.
Questions for reflection
Where do I resist obedience because I want certainty first?
Do I trust God’s character even when His plan is unclear?
Practice
Today, consciously accept one duty or responsibility as an act of obedience to God.
Day 2 – Faith Seeks Understanding
Teaching
Mary asked a genuine question: “How can this be?”
The Church has always taught that faith seeks understanding, not blind compliance.
Luke 1:34
Catechism of the Catholic Church 158
Mary’s question was not doubt, but a desire to understand how God’s promise would be fulfilled.
Mini homily reflection
God invites honest questions but not refusal to trust.
Questions for reflection
What questions about faith have I avoided bringing to God?
Do I confuse questioning with disbelief?
Practice
Write down one question you carry about faith and present it honestly to God in prayer.
Day 3 – Obedience That Costs Something
Teaching
Mary’s yes exposed her to misunderstanding, social shame, and personal risk.
Obedience to God often carries real cost.
Luke 1:38
Luke 2:34–35
Christian obedience is not convenient.
It is faithful endurance rooted in trust.
Mini homily reflection
Obedience reveals what we love most.
Questions for reflection
What does obedience to Christ cost me in my current stage of life?
Where do comfort or reputation compete with faithfulness?
Practice
Choose to act according to conscience this week, even if it is unnoticed or difficult.
Day 4 – Mary Brings Christ into the World
Teaching
God chose to enter the world through Mary’s free consent.
Her obedience made Christ present not only spiritually, but physically.
Luke 1:41–45
Catechism of the Catholic Church 488–489
God continues to enter the world through human cooperation.
Mini homily reflection
Christ comes where He is welcomed.
Questions for reflection
Where in my life have I kept Christ at a distance?
What would it mean to welcome Him more fully there?
Practice
Pray slowly today:
“Lord, I give You permission to work in my life.”
Day 5 – Obedience as a Daily Discipline
Teaching
Mary’s yes was spoken once, but lived daily.
True obedience is sustained faithfulness over time.
Luke 11:28
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2716
Holiness grows through consistent obedience in ordinary life.
Mini homily reflection
Great faith is built from small acts of trust.
Questions for reflection
Where is God inviting me to say yes today?
What habit of obedience would deepen my faith?
Practice
End the day with this prayer:
“Lord, today I chose to trust You.”
Weekend Summary
Key truths
Mary’s obedience was free, intelligent, and courageous.
Faith includes questions but leads to trust.
Obedience often costs something.
God works through human cooperation.
Holiness is built through daily yeses.
Reflection prompts
Mary teaches me that obedience is…
My yes to God this Advent is…
Apologetics for Adults
Was Mary forced to say yes?
No. God waited for her free consent. Love never coerces.
Why does Mary matter so much in salvation history?
Because God chose to depend on her obedience.
Does honouring Mary detract from Christ?
No. Mary’s role exists entirely to bring Christ to the world.
Is obedience opposed to freedom?
No. Obedience to truth perfects freedom.
Why emphasise obedience today?
Because faith without obedience becomes abstraction.
Catechism References
CCC 144 – The obedience of faith
CCC 488–494 – Mary’s faith and consent
CCC 158 – Faith seeks understanding
CCC 2716 – Contemplative obedience
Closing Prayer
Mary, Mother of Jesus,
you trusted God without knowing the outcome.
Teach me to trust Him with my life,
to obey with faith and courage,
and to welcome Christ more fully each day.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 