Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. The liturgy opens with a beautiful antiphon drawn from our first reading from the Book of Revelation, “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Cf. Rev 12:1). The significance of this passage is that it is an exact description of the image that appeared on the tilma, which was given by Our Blessed Lady to St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. This mantle was to serve as proof to the bishop of Mexico that Juan Diego’s vision of the Blessed Virgin was true and that her request that a church be built in her honor was authentic. This cloak is still preserved at the basilica in Mexico City and is the object of great reverence and devotion. It is fitting that the responsorial refrain to this first reading from Revelation is taken from the Canticle of Judith (13:15:9d): “You are the highest honor of our race.” “Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God.”
The gospel passage from St. Luke recounts the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she is to be the mother of Jesus “who will be called Son of the Most High.” Her “Yes” to God’s invitation to be the mother of the Savior opens the way to our redemption. The result of Mary’s fiat is so profoundly expressed in the closing line of our first reading: “Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed.”
As we approach communion today, we praise the God who employs the humblest of creatures as instruments of his divine plan: “The Lord has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.” (Lk 1:5).
Prayer for Today: O God of our Salvation, you lift up the lowly in order to fulfill your plan of redemption. Help us to respond with willing assent to your invitation to participate in your plan of bringing Christ to birth in the hearts of our fellow travelers as we journey toward your Kingdom. Amen.
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections