Mary continues to serve God in her appearances to His people – and draws us to Him
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12, 2018): ZEC 2:14-17; or RV 11:19; 12:1-6; 10; JUDITH 13:18,19; LK 1:26-38
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Just a few days ago we honored the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and recognized her dedication and special relationship with God from the first instant of her life.
Today the whole Church, especially those of us in the Americas, celebrate this feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is one of a number of times that Our Lady has come among God’s people – especially the poor and marginalized – guiding us ever closer to Him and His mercy. In December 1531 Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego, an Aztec and baptized Catholic. She expressed her desire for a church to be built on a hill outside Mexico City and sent him to the bishop who refused the request. So Mary sent a sign – a bouquet of out-of-season roses wrapped in Juan Diego’s cloak or tilma. As the roses fell, the two men saw on the tilma an image of Mary as a pregnant Aztec princess; just the way she looked to Juan Diego.
Within a few years millions of native people embraced the Christian faith. A church was built as directed and since that time visitors have traveled from around the world to pray to the Mother of God at this holy shrine and thank God for His loving care. “Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth, and blessed be the Lord God, the creator of heaven and earth” (Judith 13:18).
Celebrate Advent with the missions of the Church. Visit MISSIO.org.
