Thursday of the Second Week of Advent

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Readings of the Day

On December 9, 1531, as he made his way to Mass, Juan was visited by the Virgin Mary, on the outskirts of what is now Mexico City. Mary asked him to tell the bishop to build a shrine to her on the hill. The bishop did not believe Juan’s story and asked for proof that Mary had appeared to him. Three days later, Juan was trying to find a priest to administer last rites to his uncle. Mary again appeared to him and when he told her of the bishop’s skepticism, she asked him to gather roses in his cloak and take them to the bishop as a sign. When he opened his cloak before the bishop, the roses fell out and an image of Mary was printed on the inside of the cloak. It is the image that Catholics associate with Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady wearing a blue cloak with light radiating around her. The shrine was built, and since that time the people of Mexico have venerated Our Lady of Guadalupe. She is also often called the patron of the Americas, including all of North, South, and Central America. 

The story of Our Lady’s appearances to St. Juan Diego is illustrative of what we ask of our clients daily. We ask them to step out on faith. To believe that we will provide the resources and tools that we say we will, and that they so desperately need. And, we too step out on faith in our belief that we will be able to provide for our clients. That we will have the money/other resources and that we will have the staff to do the work. We pray for all things to work together for good. And they usually do. The prayers of all involved are answered.

Today’s reading from the Book of Revelation pits good against evil. The beautiful pregnant woman versus the evil, red dragon. And, God was in charge. The woman's son was destined to rule and at birth was caught up to God and his throne, and the woman was protected and sent to a safe place. We know that when we leave it to God, when we truly trust in Him, He always makes a safe place. He has the authority to make sure we are never alone. That our deeds and works always speak for us.

Luke’s gospel, whether you read the story of Gabriel’s visit to Mary, or you read Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, speaks of advancing on faith. Believing that God is in charge, and is making the way to meet all of our needs. Mary’s words are worth our repeating often: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

Coquese L. Williams, Director of Parish Social Ministry, Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas, Beaumont.

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