This
feast is not only a celebration of Christ’s Incarnation but also a
meditation on the response of Mary - her faith, her obedience, and
her humility. It is a moment that encapsulates God’s divine plan
and the cooperation of humanity through the willing consent of one
humble young woman.
The Angel’s Greeting: A Divine Invitation
The
Gospel of Luke records this extraordinary event:
“Hail,
full of grace, the Lord is with you!” (Luke1:28, RSV-CE).
These words, spoken by the angel, reveal the
unique role of Mary in God’s plan for salvation. She is addressed
as “full of grace,” a title that underscores her immaculate
nature and her total openness to God’s will. Unlike Zechariah, who
doubted the angel’s message regarding the birth of John the
Baptist, Mary does not reject or resist. She listens, ponders, and
ultimately surrenders herself to God’s will.
This greeting from Gabriel is unprecedented. Nowhere else in Scripture does an angel greet a person in such a way. The phrase “full of grace” is significant, pointing to Mary’s unique relationship with God. She is already living in a state of grace, preserved from sin in preparation for her role as the Theotokos - the God-bearer.
Mary’s Fiat: The Ultimate Act of Faith and Trust
Mary’s
response to the angel is one of the most profound declarations of
faith in all of Scripture:
“Behold,
I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your
word.” (Luke1:38, RSV-CE).
This simple yet earth-shattering response changed the course of history. With these words, Mary becomes the first disciple of Christ, the first to say “yes” to God’s plan. She does not ask for proof, nor does she demand guarantees. Instead, she trusts fully in the Lord, even though she cannot possibly comprehend the full implications of what is being asked of her.
Her fiat (let it be done) is not a passive resignation but an active cooperation with grace. She gives her whole self to God’s plan, even though this means stepping into the unknown. She does not know how Joseph will react, how her society will view her, or what the future holds - but she trusts. Her response stands in contrast to Eve’s disobedience; where Eve grasped at what was not hers, Mary surrendered in perfect obedience.
The Incarnation: God Among Us
The
Annunciation is not only about Mary’s response; it is about God’s
action in the world. At that very moment, through the power of the
Holy Spirit, the Word became flesh in her womb. St. John captures
this mystery beautifully:
“And
the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and
truth” (John1:14, RSV-CE).
God did not remain distant; He chose to enter into our humanity, to walk among us, to share in our joys and sorrows. This is the great mystery of the Incarnation - that the infinite God humbles Himself to take on our frail human nature out of love for us.
This
moment also fulfils the long-awaited prophecy:
“Behold,
a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name
Immanuel.” (Isaiah7:14, RSV-CE).
Jesus, fully God and fully man, begins His
earthly existence in the hiddenness of Mary’s womb. This
underscores the sanctity of life from the very moment of conception.
The Incarnation is not a symbolic event but a real, physical reality.
A Model for Our Own Fiat: Responding to God’s Call
Mary’s response to God’s call is not just something to admire from a distance; it is a model for our own lives. How often do we resist God’s will, preferring our own plans and desires? How often do we hesitate to trust in His providence? The Annunciation invites us to imitate Mary’s fiat, to surrender ourselves to God’s will even when the path ahead is unclear.
This surrender does not mean a life free from trials. Mary herself would experience great suffering - the flight into Egypt, the loss of the child Jesus in the Temple, and ultimately, the agony of witnessing her Son’s Passion and Crucifixion. Yet, because of her trust in God, she remained steadfast, never wavering in her faith.
We too are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems difficult or beyond our understanding. Just as Mary’s “yes” allowed Christ to enter the world, our own “yes” allows Him to enter our hearts and transform our lives.
The Annunciation and the Eucharist: A Profound Connection
The mystery of the Annunciation finds a deep connection with the Holy Eucharist. Just as Mary received the Word made flesh in her womb, we receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Her fiat is echoed in our response at Mass when we say “Amen” before receiving Holy Communion. When we receive the Eucharist, we are invited to allow Christ to dwell in us, to transform us, and to lead us in our daily lives.
Furthermore, Mary’s role in the Annunciation mirrors the Church’s role in the world. The Church is called to bring Christ to others, just as Mary carried Him within her. Every time we receive the Eucharist, we are sent forth, like Mary, to bring Christ to the world through our words, actions, and love.
************
A
Call to Rejoice and Contemplate
The Solemnity of the Annunciation is a day of great joy, but also one of deep contemplation. It is a reminder that God is faithful to His promises. He who sent His Son into the world to save us will never abandon us.
We are called to rejoice in this mystery, to give thanks for the gift of the Incarnation, and to renew our own commitment to saying “yes” to God in all things.
Mary’s fiat was not a one-time event; it was the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. Likewise, our own fiat must be renewed daily. Every day presents new opportunities to trust in God, to surrender to His will, and to allow Him to work through us. Whether in moments of joy or in trials, we are invited to echo Mary’s words: “Let it be to me according to your word.”
On this blessed day, let us turn to Our Lady, seeking her intercession, that we too may respond to God’s call with faith, humility, and love. May we, like Mary, become bearers of Christ to the world.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us, that we may always have the courage to say yes to the Lord. Amen.