Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 479 – Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 479 – Part I. What can we learn from the way in which Mary prayed?

(Youcat answer) To learn from Mary how to pray means to join in her prayer: “Let it be to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). Prayer is ultimately self-giving in response to God’s love. If we say Yes as Mary did, God has the opportunity to lead his life in our life.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2617) Mary's prayer is revealed to us at the dawning of the fullness of time. Before the incarnation of the Son of God, and before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, her prayer cooperates in a unique way with the Father's plan of loving kindness: at the Annunciation, for Christ's conception; at Pentecost, for the formation of the Church, his Body (Cf. Lk 1:38; Acts 1:14). In the faith of his humble handmaid, the Gift of God found the acceptance he had awaited from the beginning of time. She whom the Almighty made "full of grace" responds by offering her whole being: "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word." "Fiat": this is Christian prayer: to be wholly God's, because he is wholly ours.

Reflecting and meditating 

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2622) The prayers of the Virgin Mary, in her Fiat and Magnificat, are characterized by the generous offering of her whole being in faith.

(This question: What can we learn from the way in which Mary prayed? is continued)