What Mary’s Fiat Means for Modern Catholics

Understanding Mary’s Fiat

Many people consider Mary’s fiat as one of the most significant moments in the history of mankind. And when you understand its significance, you’ll undoubtedly agree.

The word “fiat”, translates to “let it be done” in Latin. While in the English language, it refers to a formal authorization or a decree.

Mary’s fiat, therefore, means more than just utter and complete surrender. When she said “let it be done to me according to your word”, she also allowed God to use her for His purpose. It’s an expression of her desire to help God carry out His plan even if she doesn’t understand it or what it will entail for her.

And, as you know, that single and unequivocal “yes” changed the course of human history. Since Adam and Eve disobeyed God, people have been waiting for the Messiah. If not for Mary’s fiat, the hoped-for salvation wouldn’t have come to fruition. Had she not submitted herself to God’s will, Catholicism – as we know it today – would probably not exist.

But Mary’s decision during the Annunciation did not just transform history forever. It also transformed her. As Pope Benedict the VXI pointed out in his book, because of Mary’s complete faith and unequivocal surrender to God, the Word became flesh within her.

From being a simple girl in an unknown village in Nazareth, she was bestowed the highest honor possible – being the mother of God’s son. All because she heard God’s call and she obeyed.

What We Can Learn From It

Mary’s fiat is not just worthy of our veneration. It also teaches us, modern Catholics, values that are worth emulating.

Humility

When Mary said “I am the servant of the Lord”, it denotes her humility and willingness to accept God’s will. And that is something that the world is sadly lacking nowadays.

During prayer, we tend to tell God the things we desire. Whether it’s good health, passing an important examination, or getting that dream job, we usually ask for something when we pray.

But how many of us will say “Lord, I humbly submit myself before you. Do whatever you see fit.“?

I bet, not a lot. That’s why we need to look to the Blessed Virgin as the model of humility.

To quote Luke 14:11, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Faith

As mentioned, Mary didn’t understand God’s plan when she acquiesced to it. But she did it anyway. That is the very definition of faith.

Mary knows that God will never harm His people. She knows that He made everything for its purpose (Proverbs 16:4) and His plans stand forever all throughout the generations (Psalm 33:11). She trusted the word of God and that He would keep His promises. In short, her faith in Him is unshakeable and that gave her the courage to submit to His will.

Now, ask yourself: will you be able to do what Mary did? Can you trust God wholeheartedly and entrust your life and future to Him?

Look back to the times when you didn’t anymore understand God’s plans for your life. Did you question him? Or did you trust that His plan is better than yours?

Obedience

During the time of the Annunciation, women who got pregnant out of wedlock can be stoned to death. Mary knows that very well and she also knows that if the angel’s words come true, she’ll suffer that fate. But she risked it anyway because that is what God wants her to do.

If you are in the same situation, will you willingly risk your life to obey God’s will?

You see, obeying God usually requires sacrifices. It doesn’t necessarily require you to risk your life. But sometimes, it involves making very hard choices. This is what Mary taught us with her fiat – obeying God’s will isn’t easy but it will be worth it.