Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet. (Rev. 12:1) The Marian images for today’s feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe remind of us of the powerful moments and importance of the new life that was entering our world.
The reading from Revelation gives us a glimpse of the story of Mary bringing Jesus to birth, albeit within the context of colorful language. Mary, the Ark of the Covenant, accepts the invitation to bring Jesus into our world. This acceptance is also seen in today’s gospel as Elizabeth welcomes the mother of our Lord. How is it that we welcome the Lord and his mother into our lives and homes? Do we recognize that the Lord is seen even in the least among us?
Today’s feast reminds us that God continues to enter the world and challenges us to recognize the Lord in all people. The God who sent Our Lady of Guadalupe loves all people, yet this feast illustrates a specific focus of this love. Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared as a member of the indigenous people in Mexico. For Juan Diego and the native people in Mexico, this appearance sent a clear message that God loved and identified with them. This apparition brought dignity to the native people and as many as nine million natives were thought to have become Catholic through this event.
This image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is of a pregnant woman. Pregnancy is often a time of joyful preparation and waiting, so it is no coincidence that this feast falls within Advent. This feast models our call. It reminds us that like Mary, we too must be the Ark of the Covenant, willing to be Christ bearers. This birth dispels the darkness in our hearts and fills our homes with new light and life.
Lord, during this season of waiting; help us to remain patient and ever vigilant to the new life You are bringing to birth in our homes and our families. Continue to make our homes and our lives bright reminders of the dignity of Your love, a love that dispels the darkness. Amen!
- Michael Montgomery