2022 Word of the Year

Initially I thought humility was going to be my word of the year for 2022. It just kept jumping out at me in all of the readings and study I have been doing. And I wrote about how I even started the year off in a very humble manner for many reasons. I was all set, ready to write this, and settle in with my guiding word to focus my intention. Until I realized that it wasn’t quite the full picture. I also kept being pulled toward surrender (as abandonment to God’s Divine Will). But that wasn’t quite it either.

While scrolling through a Catholic Facebook group I am in, I saw someone post a beautiful graphic - but it was the caption that jumped off the screen at me.

Mary’s FIAT was not only to let it be done to her but also for her to DO within the realm of her response-ability.

Pray-Receive-Respond like Mother Mary: Do whatever He tells you.

What Theresa Trella captured in that fb post was EXACTLY what has been on my heart that I couldn’t quite articulate. This was the full version of the word that had eluded me, and combined the other 2 ideas together perfectly.

Fiat is Latin for “let it be done”. It requires a deep and profound humility as you die to yourself, will, and desires, and completely surrender all of that to God. To let yourself be moved and inspired in every present moment by Him is also not a passive act. It requires continual work.

To truly give one’s FIAT = humility + surrender.

In the prayer of the Surrender Novena, Jesus tells Servant of God Don Dolindo Ruotolo that, “Do not be afraid, I will take care of things and you will bless my name by humbling yourself. A thousand prayers cannot equal one single act of surrender, remember this well. There is no novena more effective than this.”

St Faustina wrote in her famous diary, “Faithfulness to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit - that is the shortest route.” (to holiness)

And Venerable Fulton Sheen wrote, “Head knowledge is worthless unless accompanied by submission of will and right action.”

I have been praying for direction for my life. I am a “do-er” and am ready to act, just feeling a bit unsure on how to proceed in some areas. Other areas of my life have been illuminated with clarity, but it is often slow-going and a process of discovery. (I am not a really patient person, but this is also a lesson I am learning!) This time of year also just naturally leads itself to reflection, evaluation, and desire to improve one’s current state.

Jake Khym said, “‘Let it be done’ is the antidote to striving.” And it is. Jackie Mulligan reflects, “I thought about [Mary’s] fiat and how she ‘let it be done.’ [She] didn’t force it to be done.” Mary responded to God out of her own love and holiness, and her humility allowed Him to act in her and through her. She didn’t insert herself into the equation. Sometimes, well actually, most of the time, I just need to get out of my own way too - and have my eyes, heart, and mind wide open to receive what God has in store for me in that present moment.

So, this year Mama Mary’s words of wisdom and her holy example are what I am aiming for. I want to give my fervent and enthusiastic ‘YES!’ to God and let it be done to me according to His word. I want to do whatever He tells me (even if it isn’t easy). And my patron, Saint Mary Magdalene, will walk beside me. I pray for her intercession to help me show up for Jesus in all circumstances, to sit at His feet, and be “in need of only one thing” just like her (Luke 10:42). I want to choose the “better part,” too. Both women were open and receptive to God, and His Holy Spirit. Both women were radically transformed after their encounter and lived their lives in accordance and obedience. Both women did not sit around passively awaiting direction, they moved and acted, always sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit. This year I want to be a Mary.

St Teresa of Avila prayed this, and I am making it my daily prayer, too:

Lord,

grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by You,

always follow Your plans,

and perfectly accomplish Your Holy Will.

Grant that in all things,

great and small,

today and all the days of my life,

I may do whatever You require of me.

Help me respond to the slightest prompting of Your Grace,

so that I may be Your trustworthy instrument for Your honor.

May Your Will be done in time

and in eternity by me, in me, and through me.

Amen.

Blessed Mother and St Mary Magdalene, ora pro nobis.

St Joseph the worker, ora pro nobis.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, make my heart humble like unto Thine.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust you and surrender myself to You.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.