Posted by Chuck Scherl
St. Bernard of Clairvaux paints a vivid picture of the Incarnation, inviting us to imagine the profound yearning in heaven and on earth as all of creation awaited Mary's response. In that moment between the angel Gabriel’s announcement and Mary’s Fiat, the souls of Adam, Eve, Abraham, Jacob, and the prophets, and all who were awaiting the resurection entreated her:
Answer quickly, O Virgin. Reply in haste to the angel, or rather through the angel to the Lord. Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the divine Word. Breathe a passing word, embrace the eternal Word.
Why do you delay, why are you afraid? Believe, give praise, and receive. Let humility be bold, let modesty be confident. This is no time for virginal simplicity to forget prudence. In this matter alone, O prudent Virgin, do not fear to be presumptuous.
Their longing was not in vain. Mary responded with her wholehearted consent: Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to your word. With these words, the Word became flesh, and salvation drew near. Those who had awaited redemption rejoiced beyond measure, for they were now united with Christ, in Christ, and through Christ who is one with the Father and Holy Spirit. ONE!
Their prayers, however, did not end there. Now united in His eternal love, they continue to pray for us, urging us to respond as Mary did. They invite us to accept the Word without delay, to be humbly bold and modestly confident, to put aside hesitation, and to embrace God’s call with trust and faith. Now!
Their exhortation is echoed in our hearts:
Lord, give me the grace to receive Your Word,
to be incarnate in my heart and soul.
Do not let me put off praising You and loving You,
and contemplating Your majesty and holiness.
Let me rush into Your arms, O Lord,
but reflect Your incarnate love
to everyone I meet and see and think of.
Fiat voluntas tua, Thy will be done.
Be it done unto me according to Thy word."
As we reflect on this moment of divine history, we are reminded that the Word is alive and seeking to dwell within us. Let us not delay in responding, for the time is now. May our lives echo Mary’s Fiat, and may we become vessels of God’s love, bringing His incarnate presence to everyone we encounter.
