By Sister Myriam, O.C.D.
“Fiat… fiat… fiat…” I thought to myself as I hurriedly flipped through pages of an old Latin dictionary. For years this word had captivated my heart, and I was eager to find a deeper insight into its mystery. The simplicity of the answer continues to echo in my heart.
“FIAT: To be done unto”
I think I was expecting something with a little more action… something a little more impressive. “To be done unto” doesn’t require DOING anything. In fact, it depends entirely upon someone else for the doing. All that is required of me is to give my permission.
Adrienne Von Speyer described Our Blessed Mother’s life as follows:
“As a sheaf of grain is tied together in the middle and spreads out at either end, so Mary’s life is bound together by her assent. From this assent her life receives its meaning and form and unfolds toward past and future. This single, all-encompassing act accompanies her at every moment of her existence, illuminates every turning point of her life, bestows upon every situation its own particular meaning and in all situations gives Mary herself the grace of renewed understanding.”
Mary’s life was defined by her “Fiat” – not just the Annunciation, but every moment of her life! In joy, she softened into the savor of His goodness. In awe, her heart thrilled at his splendor. In sorrow, she did not withdraw her heart. Even at the cross, her Fiat stood as firmly as it did on the day of the Annunciation. In every situation, she opened herself to receive His creative action and that receptivity is what gave texture, color and meaning to her life. The same holds true for us.
The question is: Will you open and consent to His creative action?
