Our Lady of Guadalupe is the
patron Saint of many places in the Americas, by the name of Guadalupe or the
Immaculate Conception. Mary’s “self-portrait” on St. Juan Diego’s tilma is of
the Immaculate Conception – the woman clothed with the sun and standing on the
moon. Today’s readings overlap with the readings we read on Dec. 8th.
My own thoughts of
Our Lady of Guadalupe are impacted heavily by my eighth grade teacher. I
remember her talking about her own affinity for Guadalupe. I recall her saying
that she liked how Guadalupe was strong and powerful, which weren’t Marian
traits that had been emphasized in her youth. In fact, Quyen’s reflection from
Wednesday of “demonstrating power without undo harshness” reminded me of this
image of Mary. So many Saints, and the (lowercase s) saints I know exhibit this
trait. They are powerful and strong, protective and resolute, driven by a
passionate love and courageous Gospel vision.
In the reading
from Revelation, the loud voice in heaven announces that salvation and power
have come, and yet the dragon continues to pursue the woman (and does so into
the following chapters). To me this speaks to my own feeling of conflict as we
prepare to hail the coming of the Prince of Peace. In the midst of injustice
and brokenness, this Advent is once again an opportunity to proclaim that
victory has come, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Our Lady told Juan
Diego not to worry, but to trust.
Kids give such
life to Christmas, but Christmas is not child’s play. Advent challenges us to
stand against all that threatens to overcome us and have the courage of Mary.
Where do I stand? How can I take courage or consolation from the
thought that Our Lady stands for me and with me, loving me with the heart of
her son?
Reflected by Jason Coito
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