Let’s face it – Mary is a big deal.

In the SyroMalabar Church, we celebrate the liturgical season of Annunciation during the weeks before Christmas. Reflecting on Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she is to bear the Son of God, we remember her simple response: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word.”

Why?

Even after the holiday decorations are stored away in my attic, Mary’s words echo again and again in my heart. I often reflect on Mary’s simple response. What does it mean to be a “handmaid of the Lord” or to let something “be done to me according to Your word”? What relevance does this have in my life?

In October 2012, Pope Benedict XVI declared the beginning of the “Year of Faith” with his apostolic letter Porta Fidei (Door of Faith). Marking the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, the purpose of this year is to encourage a strengthened return to the heart of our faith.

The phrase “door of faith” comes to us from the Acts of the Apostles, where we learn the history of the early church. Paul, after being stoned and dragged out of the city of Lystra, travels with Barnabas to the city of Antioch. Assembling the church together, Paul and Barnabas share not only the story of their travels, but also the salvific act that allows all of humanity to enter into a deeper relationship with God. The death of Christ becomes a door to a new reality, a door of faith not only open to Jews, but also to all who recognize Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life.

Yet, the possibility of this door of faith could not have been opened to us if our Blessed Mother had not first opened the door of her own heart to the Word presented to her by the archangel. She models for us one of the greatest acts of faith. By accepting God’s desire for her to be the mother of His Son, we can consider Mary’s “fiat,” her “yes,” as a total surrender of herself to God’s will. Just as any other ordinary person, Mary was initially troubled and pondered what the angel’s words meant for her. Yet, with little delay, she boldly said “yes” to the unknown, and in doing so, the Word of God took root inside her and the child Jesus was conceived in her. Through this conception, Mary opened Earth’s door to the Son. Within her womb, she carried the Savior of the world and upon His birth, allowed us to experience the beginning of our return to God. Though it is through His wounds that we are healed, it is through her “yes” that we begin to rejoice.“I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be it done to me according to Your word.” With her trust, Mary accepts God’s will for her life, gracefully and courageously. With her womb, she opens the doors of faith to us. With her “yes,” Mary exemplifies true faith in His Divine Will.

“I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be it done to me according to Your word.” Do I answer similarly? When I accept what God asks of me, am I ready to completely submit myself to His will? And in my surrender, do I cooperate so that He can open doors for others through me? Do I enable Him to use me as His instrument? Am I truly His handmaid, ready to serve Him? And I am willing to receive the Holy Spirit, in His fullness, in my life, that I might also be “filled with grace,” like our Blessed Mother? May these questions help us to prayerfully reflect on how the Lord guides us across each threshold of this faith journey and how the first steps through the door of faith always begin with a simple “yes.”

“Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel; may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.” -The Angelus