“Be It Done Unto Me”

A Reflection on Mary’s Fiat and the Humility of God

Today we celebrate a mystery so profound that heaven itself bowed low to meet the earth: the moment when the eternal Son of God took flesh in the womb of a humble young woman from Nazareth. The beauty of this moment lies not only in its cosmic significance but in how quietly it unfolds. In the homily we reflect upon today, we are invited to look again—with wonder—at the Annunciation and the heart of Our Blessed Mother.

The Greatness of God Revealed in Littleness

God’s ways are always surprising. He who created the galaxies chose to enter the world through a village barely known, in a small house without grandeur. This is not an accident—it is the very logic of divine love. God delights in using what is little, simple, and hidden to reveal His glory. Jesus Himself would later proclaim: “You have revealed these things to the little ones.”

The Annunciation reveals a God who does not overwhelm humanity but approaches it gently. He chooses a young woman whom the world would not consider powerful or influential, yet in her humility, He finds the perfect dwelling place.

Mary’s Humility and Her Listening Heart

One of the most striking moments in the Gospel is Mary’s reaction to the angel’s greeting. She is not frightened by the supernatural presence but is disturbed by the words: “Hail, full of grace.” She who sees herself as lowly cannot comprehend being addressed in such exalted terms.

This is the beauty of Mary: her humility is matched only by her attentiveness. She knows the Scriptures. She has pondered the prophecies. She understands the promise of the Messiah and the prophecy that the Emmanuel would be born of a virgin. Her heart is open, searching, receptive. Her question is the question of a heart that listens deeply.

“How Can This Be?” — Mary’s Fidelity and Her Vow

Mary’s question—“How can this be, since I do not know man?”—is sometimes misunderstood as doubt. But it is far from the doubt of Zechariah. She has already offered herself fully to God, having made a perpetual vow of virginity. Her question is not skepticism but fidelity: How will God’s plan unfold without compromising the vow she has made?

This is a profound lesson for all of us. True obedience is not passive. It seeks to understand God’s will so as to embrace it more completely.

Overshadowed by the Holy Spirit

The angel’s answer reveals the heart of the mystery: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
The overshadowing of Mary is the moment heaven touches earth. The divine replaces the natural role of a father, forming the humanity of Christ in her virginal womb. The Eternal Word takes flesh—one Person, yet with two natures: fully divine and fully human.

And because this conception is holy, the child born is holy. Christ is holy because His mother is full of grace and because His conception is entirely the work of God.

Mary’s Fiat: The Free Cooperation of Humanity

Perhaps the most breathtaking moment is not the angel’s message but Mary’s response. With full freedom, profound humility, and total trust, she says:

“Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
Be it done unto me according to your word.”

The God who respects human freedom does not impose Himself. He waits for Mary’s “yes.” The Incarnation—a miracle that would change the course of the world—depends on the free assent of a young woman.

St. Augustine captured this truth beautifully:
“He who created you without you will not save you without you.”

Every grace we receive invites our cooperation. God’s initiative is always first, but our freedom is never bypassed. Salvation is a partnership between divine grace and the human heart.

Pondering the Mystery as We Prepare for Christmas

As we stand before the wonder of this mystery, we are called to imitate Mary. Like her, we must ponder God’s work in silence. Like her, we must welcome His plan, even when it is unexpected. And like her, our “yes” must be sincere, humble, and open to transformation.

The Annunciation is not just a past event. It is a living invitation. God desires to break into the small, hidden, and ordinary corners of our lives and fill them with His grace.

This Advent, let us make room for Him.
Let us allow the Holy Spirit to “overshadow” the areas of our hearts that resist surrender.
Let us echo Mary’s words: “Be it done unto me.”

And may her example lead us closer to Christ, whose coming brings light, joy, and salvation to the world.