When You Don’t Know What You’re Saying “Yes” to: Exploring Mary’s Fiat
“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.
“And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:26-28).
Editor’s note: This Advent, the Catholic Women in Business team is exploring the many ways God calls us to cooperate with his will and how we can proclaim our own “fiat.” Join our writers as they share their personal and professional experiences, lessons learned, and reflections from Scripture and the saints on discernment, trust, and surrender. Read more here.
Advent has always been my favorite time of year. Somehow, it always brings back that childlike wonder and anticipation of Christmas that never fails to spark a longing in my heart. Each year, as I consider anew how to truly live and experience Advent, I place myself in Mary’s footsteps, trying to consider Advent from her perspective.
Surrendering Control
At the Annunciation, Mary said “yes” to God without fully realizing what would happen to her. She must have trembled at the thought of giving up every single expectation she had for her life. She believed in the truth: that her identity and happiness was found in God. She gave up control.
Mary’s “yes” was a decision she made every day, continually renewed every time she chose the Lord’s will over her own. She faced pain and suffering, but she knew that her identity was in the Lord, and she trusted him. She trusted that his plan for her was enough.
Mary could not have known the suffering that she would face, the heartbreak that was in store for her. But, she didn’t have to. Her faith in God steadied her heart and provided her comfort. She trusted beyond all trust.
The Unknown “Fiat”
I feel there is a stark contrast today. I always want the details before I commit to anything. Professionally, personally, and relationally—I want to know exactly what I’m getting into.
I just got married a few months ago. When my husband and I professed our wedding vows, like Mary, we were committing to a whole-hearted, unconditional “yes.” Our yes encompasses the rest of our lives, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. There are no guarantees for what our life together will look like, but the beauty is that it doesn’t matter, because our own fiat to each other binds us to each other in trust.
During the months leading up to our wedding, I struggled with all the uncertainties. I wanted to be able to anticipate any and every situation, because I wanted to feel prepared. What would our life look like in one year? In five years? Where would we end up living long term? How many kids would we have?
I realize now that what I really wanted was control—something that Mary surrendered wholeheartedly.
The irony is that the desire for control never leads you to peace. It’s only when you fall into trust and release your grasp that you are set free. How can you receive when your hands are wrapped so tightly around what you think you want?
There are still many unknowns I face, both personally and professionally. I’m unsure of what the rest of my professional career will look like, and there are many unanswered questions. Will I continue to work full time? When will we (God willing) have the children we so strongly desire? What will my professional life look like?
I don’t know the future. I do know that I’m called to live out my own fiat each day. This Advent, I’m striving to live out my unconditional yes without knowing the future.
Mary Grace Rodriguez, born and raised a Texas girl, recently graduated from Benedictine College with a major in evangelization and catechesis. She is a dancer, a writer, and a wanna-be explorer. Mary Grace loves to spend her spare time choreographing dances, going on runs, practicing calligraphy, and searching for the best chai tea latte. She is doing her best to go wherever God calls her, whether it be Oklahoma, Kansas, Ireland, or back to Texas. Mary Grace is currently living her dream of serving the Church by working as the marketing and communications manager at a parish in Frisco, Texas.