Sunday, December 12th
Scripture
ZEPH 3: 14-18
IS 12: 2-6
PHIL 4:4-7
LK 3:10-18
Reflection
Rejoice in our God always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.
Phil 4:4-5
Today is the 3rd Sunday of Advent, but it also is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1531, outside of Mexico City on a hill at Tepeyac dedicated to the goddess, Tonantzin, Juan Diego, a poor, uneducated, indigenous peasant became an ambassador to bring a message to the Bishop of Mexico. A young lady appeared to him and sent Juan Diego a sign to ask the bishop to build a church at the spot on Tepeyac. To the Mexican people, Our Lady speaks of restoration of justice and is the visible love of God and God’s action on behalf of those who are poor. La Morenita (the little brown one) as she is lovingly called, is the expression of the love of God and tells us of God’s unconditional love and never-failing presence.
Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ, says, “Her presence and consoling words served to promote the human dignity of defeated people at the time of conquest and have continued ever since…” and “…the figure of La Virgin in their communities is a symbol of divine love, and people’s devotion as a mediated encounter with divine compassion.”
Theologian Jeannette Rodriguez tells us, “Our Lady of Guadalupe continues to stand for justice, solidarity with the oppressed, belonging, unconditional love” and “manifests the presence of God.”
God is here. Our Lady of Guadalupe is one more way that we know of this loving Presence.
Prayer
O Compassionate God, you tell us in many ways of your love and care for all people,
Help us, too, to be a sign of your love for all people and all creation.
Personal Challenge
I will see the image of God in all I meet today.
Sister Joellen Sbrissa, CSJ
La Grange Park, IL
