On New Year’s Day, January 1, 2010, we celebrated the SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD. In the SAMBUHAY Fr. James H. Kroeger, M.M., describes the FAITH of MARY, with three words: FIAT, STABAT, MAGNIFICAT, thus making her the MODEL of FAITH.
I would like to share my personal reflections on these three words which describe Mary’s Faith.
1. FIAT – means “Let it be done”. This is a COMMITMENT of surrender to God’s Holy Will. It is a manifestation of TRUST in the Goodness and INFINITE POWER of an ALMIGHTY and LOVING GOD. Hence, it is telling God that as His creature our pleasure is to be His instrument in doing whatever He wills.
2. STABAT – means “She stood”. It is narrated in John 19:14 that “Near the cross of Jesus, stood his mother…”. Mary stood faithful to her Son despite all the atrocities, false accusations, and cruelties that sinful men heaped upon him, denying his divinity as the Son of God.
3. MAGNIFICAT – means “My soul proclaims the Goodness of the Lord”. These were the first words uttered by Mary when her cousin Elizabeth praised her for having been chosen to be the Mother of the Lord God. (Lk.1:41-45). She, in other words, immediately attributed to God whatever blessings she has received, praising Him for His goodness.
For me, Faith in God should have these threefold characteristics.
First, it is a Faith that puts complete trust in the Goodness of God. God’s Will should always be my focus in life. Hence, my concern is that in every decision I make it must always be in accordance with the Holy Will of God. My constant prayer therefore is: “Not my will, but Your Will be done, Oh Lord God”.
Second, ,it is a Faith that remains steadfast despite all the problems and difficulties that I may encounter in daily life. Like Mary, I try to stand firm in my commitment to do God’s Will, regardless of the trials that come my way.
Third, it is a Faith that praises God for His goodness. Deep in my heart I should always try to acknowledge that the Source of all that I am and all that I have is GOD. Everything comes from Him. There is nothing that I own except my sinfulness. Hence, it is but proper that I give to GOD all praises that come from the lips of men.
This is what I believe that I must develop this kind of Faith and follow the example of Blessed Mother Mary. It is certainly not easy to achieve. It takes a life-long process. Everyday of my life is an opportunity to grow in my Faith. Hence, I should welcome everyday anything that may challenge my Faith in the Goodness and Loving Presence of God in this world. I am sure that there is a God Who knows everything and can do anything towards what is best for me, and this I believe is true for all of us, His children.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
January 1, 2010
