2025 Cycle A - Mary Mother of God

Readings

Mary Mother of God

Num 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Heb 1:1-2; Luke 2:16-21

Homily Theme

Mary, Mother of God — “Let It Be Done”

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. An angel appeared to a young virgin named Mary and told her that she would conceive and bear a son, and that His name would be Jesus — a name that means “Savior.” In that moment, Mary freely and completely accepted God’s plan for her life. She responded with words that would change the world forever:

“Let it be done to me according to your word.”

This simple yet powerful response is known as Mary’s fiat — her total yes to God’s will.

Fifty years ago, on this very feast day, I was ordained a priest. I chose Mary’s words as my priestly motto: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” I was ordained on the Feast of the Annunciation, the day Mary herself spoke her fiat. It is a prayer that all of us are invited to make our own — especially when life unfolds in ways we did not plan or expect.

Saint Joseph also had to make that same act of trust. When he discovered that Mary was with child, he intended to dismiss her quietly. But when God revealed His plan, Joseph, too, chose to say yes. In his own way, he made his fiat and placed his life in God’s hands.

This past Sunday, I listened to a homily by a young priest at the Midnight Mass of Christmas. He shared a story about a wealthy father whose only son was sent to fight in a distant war. The son was killed in battle, and the father was devastated. One day, a soldier knocked at his door and told him that his son had saved his life. The soldier had painted a portrait of the son and offered it to the father.

The father accepted the painting, though it was not a masterpiece. Years later, when the father died, his valuable art collection was put up for auction. The room was filled with people eager to purchase the priceless paintings. But the auctioneer announced that the first item to be sold was the portrait of the son. Only one man bid — ten dollars. The crowd grew angry, wanting to move on to the famous works. Then the auctioneer announced that the auction was over. The father had left instructions that whoever chose his son would receive everything.

The young priest then asked a powerful question: Have you chosen God’s Son?

As he spoke, a large image of Jesus was illuminated in the sanctuary. He reminded us that Jesus died for all, but only those who choose the Son receive the fullness of the Father’s gift.

You may be wondering what this has to do with Mary, the Mother of God. Everything. Mary was the first to choose God’s Son. And she teaches us how to choose Him — by trusting God completely and saying yes to His will, even when we do not understand it.

Only those who choose Mary’s fiat will truly be able to choose her Son. When life brings us unexpected trials or crosses we did not ask for, we are called to echo her words: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” In simpler language: “Let it be.”

On this great feast, as we begin a new year, let us leave this church carrying Mary’s fiat in our hearts. Choose God’s Son. Trust God’s plan. And say with Mary, with Joseph, and with the Church:

“Let it be done unto me according to your word.”