Reflection
Zechariah 2:14-17
Judith 13: 18 BCDE, 19
Luke 1:26-38
Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On December 9, 1531 Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill in an area that is near modern day Mexico City. The significance of December 9 is that was when the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated in the Spanish Empire. Juan Diego was not an Aztec but the area was prevalent for Aztecs, many of whom were pagans and believed in child sacrifice.
There were four apparitions, in the first Mary appeared as a pregnant woman. She instructed Juan Diego to go to the local bishop, Bishop Juan de Zumarraga, and instruct him to build a chapel devoted to her on Tepeyac Hill. After the third apparition, Bishop de Zumarraga requested a sign. Long story cut short….Mary appeared to Juan Diego and instructed him to gather flowers from Tepeyac Hill – this was the middle of winter, there should not have been any flowers on the hill - placed them in his cloak and took them to the Bishop. Upon opening Juan’s cloak, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was there.
If you get a chance, visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Maryville in Des Plaines, or the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in LaCrosse, WI - both are incredible places to reflect on the great love Mary has for us, and that she asks us to have for her Son.
Juan Diego acted just as Mary did in our gospel today. God called her to undertake the greatest act of love any woman has ever undertaken – give birth to the Savior of us all. Juan Diego acted with great trust. It is said that his actions alone resulted in 8 million Aztecs converting to our one true faith. What is going on in your life today? Having struggles or a tough time? Take it to our Holy Mother – and don’t wait! Do it today!
It is a beautiful day! Go smile at God today!