Fiat

The Blessed Virgin Mary’s last words in the Gospel were directed to the servers at the wedding in Cana. Mary had advised Jesus the wine had run out. Mary said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” When Mary, always perceptive of the social sensitivities of the hosts brought their situation to her son’s attention it may have startled Jesus who was focused on the recruitment of his apostles to follow him on his mission to restore the relationship between heaven and earth. Jesus initially responded to his mother, “My hour has not yet come”. Perhaps, after re-centering himself and further considering his mothers’ prodding in an expanded scope of his mission, he quickly turned to address the problem. While it is not recorded, it is expected that Jesus learned much about life through his parents’ Spirit-filled insights.

Thirty years earlier, Mary came to be the mother of Jesus when this startled virgin affirmed the angel Gabriel’s very unconventional annunciation with her fiat, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” This fiat implies trust, especially a trust that God in his mercy will work to bring us all to him in ways we do not understand. The Annunciation, celebrated on March 25th, 9 months before Christmas, exemplifies the humility and trust we are all called upon especially in this season of Lent as we prepare for the Solemnity of Easter. We need model saints like Mary who turned away from temptations of fear, self-pity, poor self-discipline, and hopelessness; saints who trusted in God’s loving Providence. Mary’s life was formed by her Jewish spirituality. She had the righteousness of the Law in her heart. When the time came to listen to the Lord and do whatever he tells her, her humble Fiat brought Salvation into the world. We all play a role in bringing forth the Kingdom of God by listening and then taking action as Mary did. (It is no accident that the birth of Christ was announced through a woman and the Resurrection was first realized by women.)

Mary’s fiat represents the beginning of the New Covenant where Jesus would live with his people and establish his church and now she, the church, listens and prepares to be one with God.