Mary’s “Amen” and ours

The Amen of Mary: Model of Our Eucharistic Yes Sisters and Brothers Illustrative Image  *Mary, Jesus, and John – Representing the Eucharistic “amen” and faith.*The Gospel text from Saint Luke that we heard, narrating the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes to feed a multitude in a deserted place, concludes by saying: “All ate and were filled” (Luke 9, 11-17). The expression “all” is crucial. It means that Jesus desires every human being to be nourished by the Eucharist, for the Eucharist is for all. Therefore, in today’s solemnity, we celebrate with devotion the sacrifice of Christ for all humanity. With it, we adore, praise, and publicly thank the Lord, who in the Eucharistic Sacrament continues to love us “to the end” and to be with us until the ends of time.A sequência que antecedeu o Evangelho expressou isso da seguinte forma:> Terra, exulta de alegria, > Louva o teu pastor e guia, > Com teus hinos, tua voz.Toda a terra é convidada ao louvor, sem exclusão.Outro convite foi feito na sequência:> Hoje a Igreja te convida: > O pão vivo que dá vida > Vem com ela celebrar.Here, in this sacred place, the Holy Virgin serves as a model for how to celebrate the living bread that gives life.### The Fiat of Mary and the Amen of Communion: A Deep AnalogyAs Saint John Paul II said, “there is a profound analogy between the ‘yes’ (fiat) pronounced by Mary in response to the words of the Angel and the ‘amen’ that each believer pronounces upon receiving the body of the Lord. To Mary was asked to believe that He whom she conceived ‘by the work of the Holy Spirit’ was the Son of God. He was the ‘Son of God'” (Luke 1:30-35). By following the faith of the Holy Virgin, in the Eucharistic mystery, we are invited to believe that the same Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, is present in the signs of bread and wine with all His human-divine being.### Imitation of Mary’s LoveWhen we approach communion to receive the body of the Lord, let us imitate the love of Mary. When we say “amen” before receiving Communion, let us imitate the faith of Mary. Upon receiving the body of the Lord, may we express intimately and personally the words of Mary: “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).### Additional ReferencesTo deepen your studies, explore: – **Mariology**: Articles and academic resources on the study of the Virgin Mary. – **Marian Apparitions**: Investigate the apparitions of Mary throughout history. – **Postgraduate in Mariology**: The Instituto Locus Mariologicus offers an in-depth academic program.For a more comprehensive reflection, consult the Encyclical *Redemptoris Mater* by Pope John Paul II, which explores Mary’s “fiat” and faith.