The Words of Mary
The first “word” of Mary sounds its note in Luke 1:34 – “How can this be since I do not know man?” The key to this word is the interrogative “How?” The Virgin opens a dialogue with God, entering into a conversation that God himself has initiated through the emissary Archangel. Her question is not that of a skeptic; rather that of a sincere believer. She is prayerfully trying to discern the meaning of God’s word, the workings of God’s power, and the impact of God’s presence in her life. Her first word in the Scriptures is a prayer word.

The second “word” of Mary follows in Luke 1:38a – “I am the servant of the Lord.” The key to this word is the label “servant.” Some translations, including the traditional “Angelus” prayer, use the term “handmaid” as a synonym for servant. Out of Mary’s personal dialogue with God emerges a clear understanding of her identity before God. Her being and her functioning unite in one integrated whole: a graced life as God’s consecrated “servant.”

The third “word” of Mary, Luke 1:38b, stands out in sharp relief as the most important phrase in the New Testament: “Let it be done to me as you say.” The Latin version of Luke uses one word for the phrase “Let it be”: FIAT. This word “Fiat” has been interpreted to mean Mary’s “yes” to God, her great “Amen,” her act of surrender, her word of obedience, her faith-response to the mystery of Divine Revelation, a summary of humanity’s answer to God’s plan of salavation in Christ. In this simple phrase, Mary’s supernatural faith expresses itself. Her trust in God is total, refusing him nothing, offering him everything.

The fourth “word” of Mary is her longest: Luke 1:46-55 – “My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord…even as he promised…Abraham and his descendants forever.” This is the famous “Magnificat” canticle of thanksgiving that Mary sang during the visitation to her cousin Elizabeth, as the unborn John the Baptist stirred for joy in his mother’s womb. Weaving together Old Testament verses familiar to her memory, Mary celebrates the works of God. These are works of Divine charity. Her “Magnificat” is one extended word of supernatural charity – expressing how acts of faith become acts of love. Mary’s “fiat” in practice leads to her “Magnificat.” These are the two lungs of her supernatural life.