Saying Yes to God: Embracing Mary’s Fiat in Our Own Lives

The Feast of the Annunciation is a celebration of one of the most pivotal moments in salvation history—the moment when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. It was in this moment that Mary uttered her fiat, her wholehearted yes:

"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)

Mary’s response wasn’t just a passive acceptance; it was an active and courageous surrender to God’s will, even in the face of uncertainty. She didn’t have all the answers, yet she trusted in God’s plan with complete faith. Her yes changed the course of history, opening the way for the Savior to enter the world.

What Does Mary’s Fiat Mean for Us?

While we may not be called to something as profound as bearing the Savior of the world, God invites each of us to our own moments of fiat. He calls us in big and small ways—to trust Him, to step out in faith, and to surrender our own plans in favor of His greater purpose.

But let’s be honest—saying yes to God isn’t always easy. It often means stepping outside our comfort zones, facing uncertainty, and embracing a path we didn’t expect. Yet, just as Mary’s yes allowed Christ to enter the world, our yes allows Him to work through us.

How Can We Live Out Our Own Fiat?

Cultivate a Heart of Prayer

Mary was a woman of deep prayer. Before we can say yes to God, we need to spend time with Him, seeking His voice in Scripture, in the stillness of our hearts, and in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Prayer strengthens our trust in God and prepares us to follow His call with confidence.

Trust God’s Plan, Even When It’s Unclear

Mary didn’t know all the details, but she trusted the One who did. When we face uncertainty, fear, or doubt, we can look to her as an example of unwavering faith. God’s plans may not always align with our own, but they are always good. We can ask for Mary’s intercession when we struggle to surrender our own desires and fears.

Say Yes in the Small Things

Our daily yeses to God prepare us for the bigger ones. Choosing kindness when it’s difficult, forgiving others even when it’s hard, making time for prayer when life feels busy—all of these are ways we can embrace God’s will in our everyday lives. Holiness isn’t built in a single moment; it is formed in the quiet, consistent yeses we give to God each day.

Be Open to God’s Surprises

Mary’s life took a turn she never expected, yet she embraced it with joy and trust. Sometimes, God’s plans don’t look like ours—but they are always greater than we can imagine. Saying yes to Him might lead us to new opportunities, challenges, or relationships that we never anticipated, but we can trust that He walks with us every step of the way.

Following Mary’s Example

Mary’s fiat is an invitation to all of us. God calls each of us to something beautiful, something beyond what we could plan for ourselves. Are we willing to say yes?

When we surrender to God’s will, we open our hearts to His grace, allowing Him to transform us in ways we never expected. As we reflect on the Annunciation, may we follow Mary’s example, trusting that God’s plan is always good and that His grace will always sustain us.

What is God calling you to say yes to today? Let’s pray for the courage to respond as Mary did—with faith, trust, and a heart open to His divine will.