slave

Did the Blessed Virgin Mary consider herself to be God’s slave or to be God’s servant? As we approach the Advent season, we’re reminded of the Blessed Virgin’s famous statement: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” from the Gospel According to Luke 1:38 (NABRE). This statement traditionally is called the fiat from the Latin word translated as “let it be done.” Mary’s fiat raises a number of interesting linguistic questions, but perhaps first among them is that of what it means to be the handmaid of the Lord.

Take a moment to consider what you think the word handmaid means in this context. Merriam-Webster defines handmaid as “a personal maid” or “female servant.” The Latin ancilla contains this meaning and the additional meaning of slave. The Greek word used is doulos, however, and means only slave. The primary difference between a slave and a servant is that of compensation. Slaves are not paid. The other difference is one of choice. Slaves do not have the legal option of leaving, whereas a servant performing a job can quit.

This difference in meaning raises a question regarding how the Blessed Virgin Mary viewed her relationship with God—and so also how we should behave toward God. Is it perhaps a more comfortable idea for us to consider ourselves to be servants of God rather than to think of ourselves as God’s slaves? How is it that you seek to serve God?

related topics: parthenos; servant

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