Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mary is our perfect role model, since her “yes” to God allowed her to bring Jesus into the world. Her faith in God’s ability to do wonderful things not just for herself but for all nations reveals the deep hope and joy that she possessed even in the midst of her many sorrows. Today’s feast reminds us that Mary always leads us to Jesus, and therefore to the hope and joy of knowing God’s love for us is everlasting.
The first reading from Zechariah proclaims the joyful news of God’s promise to come and dwell among us. The gospel reading relates how this prophecy comes to be as Mary says “yes” to Gabriel. Mary is told that it is through the Holy Spirit that she will conceive, and the child will therefore be the Son of God. Mary becomes the “handmaid of the Lord” as she accepts all of what has been spoken, even though she wonders how these amazing things can occur.
Mary‘s great trust in God’s will for her goes beyond her own personal experience. In her joyful prayer when meeting Elizabeth (Lk 1: 46-55- the Magnificat) she not only rejoices that God has blessed her, but she proclaims with joy and hope how God will continue to lift of the lowly, feed the hungry, and provide mercy to all those who call out to God in need. She reaffirms God’s desire to love and care for us always.
In 1531, when Mary appeared to Juan Diego, she brought this same message of hope and joy. Mary appeared as an indigenous maiden, and she spoke to Juan in his native tongue. This encounter revealed that Mary was continuing to reach out to the poor and needy, and promising God’s presence and mercy. Mary came to Juan and the people of Mexico in a way that they could understand. She wanted them to know that God meets each of us in our own time and place, and wants to be with us. The miracle of the roses creating the image of Our Lady on Juan Diego’s tilma (still displayed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Tepeyac, Mexico) continues to be a sign to people today of Mary’s role in bringing God to all nations and in all times.
Because of the impact of Mary’s appearance to Juan Diego, Our Lady of Guadalupe has a special devotion among Catholics from Mexico. Las Mañanitas is a celebration the night before or early the morning of December 12th. People sing and dance to celebrate Our Lady. There are processions, Mass, and celebratory meals on the actual feast day. Our Lady of Guadalupe continues to be a source of joy and hope for many people, since she is also the Patroness of the Americas. Her downward gaze with folded hands seen in her image on Juan Diego’s tilma, reveal Mary’s humble petition to her Son for our many needs.
Today as we celebrate Mary and her role in salvation history, may we stop and reflect on how Mary’s faith and trust in God allowed God to use her as an instrument of joy and hope for others. May our “yes” to God allow us to become vessels of God’s grace, so we can also bring Christ to others that all people may rejoice and believe.
—Marylynn Herchline