Mary's Courageous Fiat: Advent Day Two 02/12/24
Welcome to our second day of Advent reflection. Today, we contemplate the transformative power of Mary's "fiat" - her courageous "yes" that forever changed the course of history.
The Annunciation, as detailed in Luke's Gospel captures this pivotal moment: "The angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.' And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.'" (Luke 1:30-31, 38)
Mary's fiat teaches us profound lessons about trust and surrender. As a young woman in first-century Nazareth, she faced overwhelming circumstances - an unexpected pregnancy, potential social stigma, and a complete disruption of her life plans. Yet, her response was one of humble acceptance and active participation in God's plan.
St John Paul II reminds us: "Mary's 'fiat' was decisive for the history of humanity. Through her generous 'yes,' she opened the door for our Saviour to enter into our world." Her example challenges us to examine our own response to God's invitations, especially when they lead us beyond our comfort zone.
Saying Yes to God
In our daily lives, God's invitation to say "yes" comes through quiet, personal moments when we least expect it. These moments might seem small, but they require genuine courage and trust. Let me share what this looks like in my own life—perhaps you'll recognise similar moments in yours.
Consider those times when you know you should speak up with truth and gentleness, even though staying quiet would be easier. Or those humbling moments when you must acknowledge your mistakes. These are everyday "fiats"—small but significant ways we say yes to God's call for authenticity in our lives.
Love often beckons us beyond our comfort zone, challenging us to put others before ourselves. This might mean visiting a struggling friend despite our own difficulties or busy schedule. These acts of giving, though sometimes demanding, often bring unexpected blessings. When life's interruptions arise, they provide valuable opportunities to reflect on what truly matters—our relationships with others. Between Instagram likes and making real friendships, between following trends and staying true to yourself - we all face tough choices. Maybe it's choosing between hanging out with friends who pressure you to compromise your beliefs or finding new friends who respect your values. These everyday decisions might seem small, but they're actually shaping who you're becoming and how deep your faith really goes.
Living our faith demands both joy and courage. I'll be honest—starting each day with prayer isn't always easy, especially when the alarm rings and you feel you've barely slept! Yet these quiet moments ground me for whatever lies ahead. When I don't take time in the morning to prepare my heart in the Word, I set myself up to falter. I feel the difference—it affects my ability to handle demanding situations. When people enquire about my faith, I've learned to share candidly, admitting when I don't have all the answers. People value this authenticity more than polished responses.
Life's challenges often become our greatest opportunities for growth. In moments of disappointment or uncertainty, I'm learning to sense God's presence. Sometimes what appears as a "no" actually guides us towards something better. And perhaps the most challenging yet rewarding "yes" is choosing patience and kindness with family members, especially when they test our limits!
Today's Reflection Questions
Take a moment to consider these reflections:
- What is God inviting you to say "yes" to in this season of your life?
- What fears or hesitations might be holding you back from your own fiat?
- How can Mary's example inspire your response to God's call today?
Finding Your Way to Bethlehem
Advent beckons us to walk in Mary's footsteps, embracing her model of deep, contemplative listening and her bold, unwavering response to God's divine call. Just as she did in that momentous encounter with the angel Gabriel, we are invited to cultivate quiet spaces within our hearts where God's transformative presence can dwell and work miracles, even when His divine plans take unexpected turns that challenge our understanding. In this sacred season of preparation and anticipation, we're reminded that every sincere "yes" we offer to God - no matter how small or seemingly insignificant - has the potential to create profound reverberations throughout our own lives, and those around us, touching lives and hearts in ways that extend far beyond our immediate vision or comprehension. Like ripples expanding across still waters, our faithful response to God's invitation can reach shores we never imagined possible.
Prayer
Blessed Mother Mary, help us to echo your fiat in our own lives. Grant us the courage to say "yes" to God's will, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Guide us in trusting God's plan as completely as you did. Amen.
Your Personal Invitation
Today, consider one specific way you can say "yes" to God's invitation in your life. Remember that authentic discipleship often requires both the courage to say "yes" and the wisdom to say "no" to anything that doesn't align with God's will.
