“The story of redemption began with a heroic ‘Yes’ by a young girl named Mary, when, in the spirit of humility and obedience, she said to the angel’s message announcing that she would be the mother of Jesus: ‘May it be done unto me according to your word.’ And then when the purpose of her “Yes” was about to be fulfilled, on the night before Jesus was to be crucified, the ultimate act of humility and obedience came in the form of a prayer: ‘… not my will but yours be done.’

I write this column to wish you all a ‘Happy Easter.’ I know that the Easter candy is already marked down to half price, and in San Antonio our minds are turning toward Fiesta, but for us Catholics the greeting ‘Happy Easter’ is a tradition that continues for the 50 days of the Easter season. In our churches you will continue to hear ‘Alleluia’ and ‘Glory to God.’

During this Easter season, and throughout our lives, we are called to the same humble obedience and sacrificial love that come with the cross. Certainly, most of us will never be called to obey to the extremes of the many martyrs who have faithfully said ‘Yes’ before us. But we are called to listen for God’s voice in our lives, discern his will and fulfill the mission he has given us.

This past week, the Holy Father announced that I was being asked to leave the Archdiocese of San Antonio and take on new and challenging responsibilities as Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. That appointment means that upon the retirement of Cardinal Roger Mahony next year, I will become their Archbishop. This was a personal test of my willingness to follow the will of God and in humble obedience say ‘Yes.'”