OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: MARY'S FIAT

Luke 1:26-38

One of the great truths at the heart of our Faith as Christian is that God has loved us so much that He entered into our humanity in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. As we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the gospel narrates the beautiful story of the annunciation when the Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary to deliver the salvific message of the divine entry into humanity. Upon entering Gabriel greeted Mary, “Rejoice O highly favored daughter. The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the Angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God, behold you will conceive and bear a son.”

The interesting part in this story is the reaction of Mary at this message. is which reveals her great faith. “How will this be,” Mary asked the Angel, “since I have no relations with a man?” She knows already she is hearing something beyond human capability. Her question is not prompted by doubt or skepticism, but by wonder and expression of great faith. She hears of the Word and immediately responds with faith and trust. It is more like she said, “Alright I agree, just tell me what to do.” She voiced her wonder and the Angel gave her more information.

And Mary said: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary's prompt response of "yes" to the divine message is a model of faith for all believers. Mary believed God's promises even when they seemed impossible. She was full of grace because she trusted that what the Angel said was true and would be fulfilled. She was willing and eager to do God's will, even if it seemed difficult or costly.

Mary is our model in faith. Her “fiat” is our excellent model. Her life is an example of how to remain favored with God. In this sense, through our baptism we are favored with God. We become God’s children and created in His image and likeness. The Message we can draw from this interpretation of Mary’s “Fiat” is that, “The fundamental fact of existence is the trust in God. Faith is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living.” This is the model of faith we have from Mary. She is our example, not only because she is the mother of God, but mostly because she is a woman of faith; and this is which helped her to accept God’s plan in her life. During this celebration let us recognize, in a special way her intercession in our lives. The message she gave to Juan Diego at the apparition is so consoling to us and encouraging. She said to him: “I am your merciful mother, the Mother of all….those who love me, of those who cry to me, of those who have confidence in me….Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness, anxiety or pain. I am your mother.