Mary’s Fiat: The Divine-Human Encounter That Changed History

Today, (…) the Gospel tells us about one of the most important, most beautiful moments in the history of humanity: the Annunciation (cf. Lk 26-38), when Mary’s “yes” to the Archangel Gabriel permitted the Incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus. It is a scene that inspires the greatest wonder and emotion because God, the Most High, the Omnipotent, by means of the Angel converses with a young girl from Nazareth, asking for her collaboration for His plan of salvation. (…) As in the scene of the creation of Adam, painted by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, where the finger of the heavenly Father touches the finger of the man; thus here too the human and the divine encounter each other, at the beginning of our Redemption, they meet with a wonderful delicacy, in the blessed instant in which the Virgin Mary utters her “yes”. She is a woman in a small peripheral village and is called for ever to the centre of history: on her answer depends the fate of humanity, which can smile and hope again, because its destiny has been placed in good hands. She will be the one to bear the Saviour, conceived by the Holy Spirit. (Pope Francis, Angelus, 8 December 2024)

SOURCE: Word of the Day (Vatican News)

Hail, Full of Grace: Gabriel’s Message and Mary’s Fiat

Today’s Gospel describes the story of the Annunciation, explaining how God began to keep the promise He had made to King David through the prophet Nathan, that David’s descendant would rule over the world as its Messiah. The Archangel Gabriel’s salutation to Mary: “Hail, full of grace,” reminds us of God’s words to Moses at the burning bush (Ex 3:12), and the angel’s salutation to Gideon, (Jgs 6:12).  Mary is described as “full of grace,” filled with God’s favor and graciousness.  She is to be the new Ark, a tent and temple.  God will be in her, literally and physically, and thus she will be the greater House God promised to David. Mary’s believing question, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” is natural.  That is why Gabriel reminds Mary, “For with God nothing will be impossible.”  God will “empower” her (“the Spirit will come upon you“) and “protect” her (“overshadow you“).  Luke’s narrative points out that the Child will not only be a distant grandson of David — He will be God’s own Son.  “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His ancestor David.” Mary does not require confirmation but responds in obedient, humble Faith: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38) .     She agrees to carry out the Word Gabriel has addressed to her.

Life Message

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We need to be humble instruments in the hand of God, trusting in His power and goodness.  St. Augustine reminds us that God Who created us without our permission cannot save us without our active cooperation. 

SOURCE: Fr. Tony’s Homilies

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God”

(v 30)

After centuries of longing for the Messiah, the glorious announcement was made to a young woman who lived in Nazareth, an insignificant village in northern Israel. Her name was Mary (Hebrew: Miriam, the “exalted one”), As Mary pondered the joyful salutation to her, the angelic messenger urged her to have no fear as she had found favor with God. Mary’s son would be conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. He would be the son of the Most High God, the Holy One, the everlasting King of all the earth who would rule eternally over the “house of Jacob” (v 33) fulfilling the promises made to King David (2 Sam 7:16). Jesus’ name (Hebrew: Yeshua) implied his mission: he would be the Savior of all people. Mary responded with faithful submission to the will of God. She was an example of those whom Jesus declared blessed because of their purity of heart and desire to do what God required of them (Mt 5:3-10). 

REFLECTING: What meaning do the names given to Jesus in the annunciation have for you?
PRAYING: Mary of Nazareth, help me to obey God’s will in all the decisions of my life.

SOURCE: Together with God’s Word