In a small, unassuming town called Nazareth, a moment occurred that would transform the history of salvation. There, an angel approached a young girl, Mary—perhaps no more than fifteen—greeting her with the words, "Rejoice, highly favoured one. The Lord is with you." At first, Mary was afraid. But her question, "How will this be?" reveals not only her humility but her courage and intellect. This wasn’t blind faith; it was a faithful, discerning heart, making her the first disciple of Jesus.

Mary stands as a pivotal figure in Christian faith, after Jesus Himself, evoking immense reverence. She is the most depicted woman in the history of Christian art, inspiring poetry from Dante to T.S. Eliot. People have sought her intercession, bringing the burdens of their lives to her as to a mother who cares and understands. Yet in her story, we see a profound theological and spiritual insight: Mary represents Israel’s finest response to God, embodying a trust that goes beyond understanding.

A Dignified Invitation

The Annunciation reveals much about the nature of God. In classical myths, divine figures often impose their will violently upon humanity. In Mary’s encounter, however, we see a God who extends a nonviolent invitation, respecting her freedom and allowing her to question. God does not coerce Mary into accepting His plan; He invites, even "courts" her. The angel’s respectful engagement highlights a God who values human dignity. Mary’s response—"Be it done unto me according to your word"—reveals her openness to God’s will. She does not merely accept; she consents wholeheartedly, becoming, in this moment, the new Israel.

Mary as the New Eve

The Church Fathers often contrasted Mary with Eve, the mother of all the living. Where Eve succumbed to temptation, seeking autonomy by grasping at the fruit of knowledge, Mary’s response is the opposite. She surrenders herself, allowing God’s plan to unfold through her, reversing Eve’s disobedience. Her response is an act of love, not a transaction. In her humility, she is the fulfilment of God’s promise, standing as a symbol of humanity redeemed.

This contrast between Eve and Mary is captured in the greeting, "Ave." Medieval thinkers often noted that this word mirrors "Eva," symbolising that where Eve fell, Mary triumphed. Eve’s choice brought alienation, while Mary’s choice brings unity with God.

The Marian Form of the Church

Hans Urs von Balthasar, a renowned theologian, described Mary’s response—her Fiat ("Let it be done")—as foundational for the Church. This Marian disposition, marked by total surrender to God, forms the heart of the Church’s spirituality. It’s an openness to God’s will, a trust that transcends comprehension, and a willingness to serve in ways beyond expectation.

In the 12th century, inspired by figures like St. Bernard, devotion to Mary flourished. The great cathedrals were dedicated to "Notre Dame"—Our Lady. These structures embodied her presence, symbolising not only her humility but also the grandeur of God’s incarnate love. For Mary is not simply a figure in history; she becomes, in every generation, the mother and advocate of the faithful, connecting humanity to the divine mystery of Christ.

The Fulfilment of Israel’s History

Mary stands at the intersection of the Old and New Testaments, bridging the prophetic tradition of Israel with the revelation of Christ. In her, we find echoes of the Old Testament's most faithful figures. She mirrors Abraham’s faith, trusting in God’s promise; she resembles Sarah and Hannah, bringing life where life seemed impossible. Like the Ark of the Covenant, she becomes the vessel of God’s presence, bearing the Word made flesh.

When Mary travels "in haste" to visit her cousin Elizabeth, we see her immediate and joyful response to God’s call. Where Israel hesitated and faltered, Mary moves swiftly, embodying a readiness to serve. Her last recorded words in the Gospel, spoken at the wedding in Cana, are an echo of the prophets and patriarchs: "Do whatever He tells you." These words are timeless, directing us towards obedience and trust in Christ.

Mary: The First Disciple

It’s easy to imagine Mary sentimentally, as though her role were passive. But Mary is anything but passive. She is discerning, asking the angel how such a plan could unfold, and then courageously steps forward into the unknown. St. Augustine calls her the model disciple because she embodies the full response to God’s invitation: trust, courage, and an unwavering commitment to God’s will.

Her role as the first disciple is affirmed at the foot of the cross. There, Jesus entrusts her to the beloved disciple, saying, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." Through this gesture, Mary becomes not only the mother of Christ but the mother of all who follow Him. Tradition holds that she went with John to Ephesus, where they cared for each other, embodying Christ’s call to unity.

The Council of Ephesus: Mary as Theotokos

In 431 AD, the early Church gathered at the Council of Ephesus to resolve a fundamental question: "Who is Jesus?" This question, central to the early Church, also affected how Christians viewed Mary. The council ultimately declared Mary as Theotokos—the Mother of God—affirming that Jesus was fully divine from His conception. This title honours Mary not for her own sake, but because it highlights the truth of the Incarnation: that God became truly human, born of a human mother.

When the people of Ephesus heard this proclamation, they celebrated with a torch-lit parade, rejoicing in Mary’s role as the God-bearer. Their joy was not solely for Mary but for what she represented: the mystery of God’s love made flesh, dwelling among us.

A Model of Faith and Trust

Mary’s story is a testament to the power of saying "yes" to God. She exemplifies a profound humility, courage, and trust in the face of mystery. As we reflect on her life, we are invited to follow her example, to approach God’s call with the same openness and surrender. She is the model for all disciples, teaching us that true freedom lies in embracing God’s will, even when the path is uncertain.

In Mary, we find the Church’s mother, Israel’s fulfilment, and the disciple who leads us most fully to Christ. May we, like Mary, respond with our own Fiat, saying, "Let it be done unto me according to Your word."

Questions for reflection

1. How does Mary’s response at the Annunciation, "Let it be done unto me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), serve as a model for responding to God’s will in our own lives? (See CCC 494)
2. In what ways does Mary, the "New Eve," reverse the choice made by Eve in the Garden of Eden, and what does this teach us about God’s plan for redemption? (See Genesis 3:1-6, Luke 1:38, and CCC 411)
3. Why is Mary honoured with the title Theotokos, or "Mother of God," and how does this title deepen our understanding of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine? (See CCC 495)
4. How does the angel’s greeting to Mary as "full of grace" (Luke 1:28) highlight her unique role in salvation history, and what does this phrase teach us about grace and holiness? (See CCC 490-493)
5. At the wedding at Cana, Mary tells the servants, "Do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5). How does this instruction reflect her own faith and trust, and how can it inspire us to follow Christ’s teachings today? (See CCC 967-968)