A Staunch Fiat

"...Mary, although aware of the lofty dignity conferred upon her at the angel's announcement [at the Annunciation], spontaneously declares herself 'the handmaid of the Lord'. In this commitment of service she also includes the intention to serve her neighbor, as the link between the episodes of the Annunciation and the Visitation show: informed by the angel of Elizabeth's pregnancy, Mary sets out 'with haste' (Lk 1:39) for Judah, with total availability to help her relative prepare for the birth. She thus offers Christians of all times a sublime model of service.

"The words: 'Let it be to me according to your word' (Lk 1:38), show in her who declared herself handmaid of the Lord, a total obedience to God's will.

"The optative genoito, 'let it be done', used by Luke, expresses not only acceptance but staunch assumption of the divine plan, making it her own with the involvement of all her personal resources."

~Bl. John Paul II, 9/11/96 General Audience


Ave Maria!  Now there's a word that I've not heard in eons -- staunch.  It's one of those words that looks and sounds like what it means:  strong; substantial; firm or steadfast in principle, loyalty, etc.  Its synonyms include faithful, stalwart, sure, sound, true, constant, reliable, stout, resolute, dependable, trustworthy, and immovable.  The word staunch always makes me think of a long, hard struggle ending in glorious victory.   Matthew 24:13 comes to mind:  "But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved."  And we know that Our Lady persevered not only throughout her lifetime but also to Mount Calvary and beyond until her magnificent Assumption into Heaven. 

That was Mary's FIAT alright -- staunch!  With her entire being, she made the divine plan her own, freely and unreservedly placing herself at the Divine Lover's disposal with great humility, total obedience, and unwavering love.  I want my own fiat to be staunch, too, but I have such a long way to go in making it so.  I am not discouraged, though, because I know that Our Blessed Mother will help me if I but call upon her.

Dearest Mary, Mother Most Wonderful, please help me for the sake of your Son and the glory of the Father.  Amen!