[Cronos]

Good, valid questions and ones every sensible person should and does ask.

your statement Had Mary said "No," would we not have salvation? God chose Mary because he knew she would br obedient. If there was no Mary, God would still have some obedient girl to carry His earthly incarnation. God doesn't need us; but God chose us. --> you're correct, God's plan of salvation would still happen. Mary did nothing great except be obedient. We hold her in esteem for being obedient.

Is the power of the Architect of Creation and the Author of life chained by the whim of a young maiden? He chose her because she would be obedient. If she was not so inclined, He would have chosen another. Again correct, He would have chosen another if she was so inclined. That is why she correctly says He who is mighty has done great things for me

God’s grace for Mary was not earned by her in any way—but given freely by God. All Mary did was say yes.

[Grizzled Bear]

God’s grace for Mary was not earned by her in any way—but given freely by God. All Mary did was say yes.

On this, we can certainly agree!