As we journey through the final days of Advent, we are invited to reflect on the profound trust and surrender exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary in her response to God’s call. Her simple yet transformative “yes” — her fiat — serves as an eternal inspiration for Christians seeking to deepen their faith and trust in God’s divine plan.
The Meaning of Mary’s Fiat
The term fiat comes from the Latin word meaning “let it be done.” In the Gospel of Luke, the Archangel Gabriel brings the astonishing message that Mary, a young virgin from Nazareth, has been chosen to be the Mother of God. Mary’s response, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), reveals a heart wholly surrendered to God’s will.
Mary’s fiat was not a mere moment of personal devotion; it was deeply intertwined with God’s perfect plan. At the time of the Annunciation, Mary was already betrothed to Joseph. This betrothal, far from being incidental, was part of God’s providence. God, in His wisdom, waited for this stage of Mary and Joseph’s relationship before sending the angel to announce His plan. This ensured that Joseph would play a vital role in the unfolding of salvation history, providing Mary with protection, companionship, and a family for Jesus.
Mary’s fiat was an act of profound trust and surrender. Saying “yes” to God meant embracing a future filled with uncertainty, personal sacrifice, and even danger. Yet, her unwavering faith enabled her to trust in God’s perfect plan, though mysterious, would ultimately bring salvation to the world. Her response was not merely a passive acceptance but an active cooperation with grace, opening her life entirely to God’s Will. Joseph’s role in this moment further highlights the harmony of God’s design. Through Joseph’s legal fatherhood, Jesus was integrated into the House of David, fulfilling the Messianic prophecies and covenantal promises.
Both Mary and Joseph's "yes" to God teaches us that trusting God is not about having all the answers or understanding every detail of His plan. It is about believing that God’s Will is perfect and that His grace will sustain us through every trial. It requires faith that His timing and purposes are perfect. Their "yes" reflects the beauty of divine collaboration, where God’s grace elevates human obedience to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. This act of surrender invites us to embrace God’s will in our own lives, trusting that He works through the ordinary to achieve the extraordinary.
Trusting God in Uncertainty
The season of Advent mirrors the waiting and uncertainty that Mary experienced. Just as she awaited the birth of Jesus, we, too, wait for the coming of Christ into our hearts and our lives. Advent reminds us that God often works in ways that goes beyond human comprehension, calling us to trust Him in times of uncertainty.
Mary’s life reminds us that saying “yes” to God does not mean an absence of difficulties. From the moment of the Annunciation, Mary faced many trials: the journey to Bethlehem, giving birth in a humble stable, and ultimately, witnessing her Son’s suffering and death on the Cross. Yet through it all, Mary trusted in God’s providence.
Mary’s example shows us that surrendering to God’s Will does not diminish us; rather, it allows God’s grace to transform us and bring about His divine purposes. This Advent, we are encouraged to look at the uncertainties in our own lives and bring them before God. Are we willing to trust Him even when His plan is unclear?
Mary as a Model of Preparation
Advent, a season of expectant waiting, finds its perfect model in Mary, whose life embodies the essence of preparation for the coming of Christ. From the moment of her fiat, Mary began her sacred mission as the Mother of the Saviour, not only nurturing Jesus in her womb but also preparing for His entrance into the world. Her preparation was a profound blend of spiritual attentiveness and practical readiness, reflecting her unwavering faith and total trust in God’s plan.
Mary’s preparation was deeply spiritual. Rooted in prayer, she pondered the mysteries of God’s work in her life, as Scripture tells us she “kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Her faith was not passive; it was active, a constant dialogue with God as she embraced the unfolding of divine grace. This interior preparation enabled her to respond with courage and humility to the extraordinary challenges of her vocation.
At the same time, Mary’s preparation was practical and grounded. She embraced her responsibilities with love and humility, creating a home for the Son of God. Imagine her daily tasks—gathering water, preparing meals, sewing garments, etc.—all carried out with the knowledge that she was serving the incarnate Word. Her actions remind us that holiness is found not only in extraordinary moments but also in the faithful fulfilment of ordinary duties.
In our own Advent journey, Mary’s example calls us to prepare our hearts and lives for Christ. We are invited to make room for Him by dedicating ourselves to prayer, meditating on Scripture, and practising acts of love and charity. Like Mary, we are called to be attentive to God’s presence, welcoming Him into the ordinary moments of our lives.
Advent preparation is not just about looking back to the birth of Christ but also looking forward to His return in glory. Mary, as the first and most perfect disciple, shows us how to live in this tension of joyful anticipation. Her life teaches us that true preparation is not about perfection but about surrender—offering our hearts and lives to God so that He may dwell within us and transform us.
Lessons for Our Lives
Mary’s fiat offers profound lessons for modern Christians:
Surrender with Confidence: Like Mary, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems daunting. Surrender is not a sign of weakness but of faith in God’s infinite wisdom.
Embrace God’s Timing: Advent reminds us that waiting is a sacred act. Just as Mary awaited the birth of Jesus, we are invited to trust in God’s perfect timing for the fulfilment of His promises.
Find Joy in Service: Mary referred to herself as the “handmaid of the Lord,” embracing her role with humility and joy. Her example calls us to serve others with love, especially during Advent, when the needs of those around us may be greater.
Reflect on God’s Word: Mary “treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Taking time to meditate on Scripture and reflect on God’s work in our lives allows us to grow in faith and trust.
The Gift of Trust
As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, Mary’s example encourages us to embrace the gift of trust. Her willingness to say “yes” to God’s plan paved the way for the incarnation of Christ, the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity. Through her intercession, we can pray for the grace to trust in God’s will for our own lives, knowing that He desires only what is best for us.
This Advent, let us strive to imitate Mary’s openness, humility, and faith. May her example inspire us to surrender our fears and uncertainties to God, allowing His grace to work in and through us. In saying “yes” to God, we prepare not only to celebrate the birth of Jesus but also to welcome His presence into every aspect of our lives.
In the words of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, “You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit. The angel awaits an answer... Answer with a word, receive the Word of God.” This Advent, may our response echo Mary’s: fiat — let it be done to me according to your word.
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