December 12th is an important day for many people in many different cultures.
It is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
In 1531, Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego. He was told to build a shrine at that place. However, the Bishop was skeptical. So Juan Diego returned to the place where Our Lady originally appeared. She promised Juan that she would give him a sign to give to the Bishop.
The following morning, Juan was told to gather roses that would grow in that area. Although there were only cacti in that area, he obeyed, and the roses were there in the morning. Juan Diego gathered the roses in his tilma, and brought them to the Bishop. He opened the tilma, let the roses fall to the floor, and left there was an image of Our Lady.
This was an opportunity for evangelization and a time of conversion for many. Being that this feast occurs during Advent, Catholics have the opportunity to reflect on Emmanuel, God With Us. This was a primary cause for conversion after this miracle took place. Our God is a God who is with us, not against us. He is loving, and came into our world in the most humble way, as an infant to be cared for by his mother, Mary.
This feast is a reminder of the humble beginnings of our Lord, and the faith that we are called to have. Juan Diego had the faith as well as the courage to tell the Bishop about his encounter. We are called to have that same faith and the courage to live out our faith.
Happy Advent, Friends.
- Mary
