Saints + Scripture: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Better Late than Never, Simplex Edition | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

'Tis the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (apparitions 9-12 December 1531): Madonna-link ūna, Madonna-link duæ, Madonna-link Array of Hope, Madonna-link U.S.C.C.B., & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

The Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with a Marian apparition & a venerated image enshrined with the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The basilica is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world, & the worlds third most-visited site. Pope Leo XIII granted the venerated image a canonical coronation on 12 October 1895.

Quoth Minute Meditations with the Popes:

Most Blessed Virgin, Mother of the Poor, teach me to fight for justice for those who are oppressed. Help me to identify with the humble ones of this world, as you did when you appeared to [St.] Juan Diego [9 December].

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Book of Zechariah, chapter two, verses fourteen thru seventeen;
or, the Book of Revelation, chapter eleven, verse nineteen(a) & chapter twelve, verses one thru six(a) & ten(a/b);
The Book of Judith (R/. chapter fifteen, verse nine[d]), chapter thirteen, verses eighteen(b/c/d/e) & nineteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses twenty-six thru thirty-eight;
or, the Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses thirty-nine thru forty-seven.

Commentary: Luke, 1:26-38—the Annunciation—was also the Gospel Reading on Monday (the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception) & an option on Tuesday (the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Loretto). 'Tis a heavily Marian week, most apropos given Our Lady's pivotal rôle in Advent.

Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel declares the significance of Mary’s fiat. When Mary says, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word," she exhibits such faith and thereby undoes the refusal of Eve. And this fiat to the impossible made possible the Incarnation of God. In accepting the seduction of the alluring Mystery, she allowed God’s love to become enfleshed for the transformation of the world.

In the Catholic faith, Mary is praised as the Mother of the Church, the matrix of all discipleship. What this means is that her fiat is the ground and model of every disciple’s response to God’s desire for incarnation. Meister Eckhart said that all believers become "mothers of Christ," bearers of the incarnate word, in the measure that they acquiesce to the divine passion to push concretely into creation.

Reflect: When have you said "yes" to God, not knowing the consequences or outcome of your obedience?

Video reflection by Monsignor Jams Vlaun: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Advent of Hope" reflection (Array of Hope):

What great faith Mary had! Filled with the Holy Spirit, she was compelled to act. Her “yes” led to great rejoicing and joy. Perhaps in our own lives, we too felt compelled to speak up, but then grew afraid or self-conscious. Perhaps we felt moved to start a spiritual practice, like reading the Scriptures, but then we convinced ourselves that we were too busy. Perhaps you were inspired to give to a charity or donate your time to serving the poor, but then got distracted by the demands of life and work. While the times that we didn't follow through can weigh heavy on our hearts, we should resist being discouraged or ashamed. Instead, we can resolve right now to do what we were inspired to do. And if a particular opportunity has passed us by, we can be attentive for new opportunities that the Lord will give us to put our faith into action.

Like Mary, who carried Jesus in her womb, Christ dwells within all of us. When the life of Christ grows in us, we will be promoted to quickly follow where He is leading. No matter how insignificant we feel or what struggles we may be facing, there is great joy and hope in knowing that Christ is living and working in us!

In this Gospel, Mary and Elizabeth display great peace and show us that it is possible to put aside our uncertainties and unite with one another in faith. We must be there to support, encourage and console one another. This enables us to be instruments of God’s love for others. Today on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, ask for the intercession of our Blessed Mother. She is our Mother and protector. Do not let your hearts be disturbed. Do not grieve or be saddened by anything, for we have a Mother in Heaven watching over and guiding us.

Video homily by Bishop Robert Barron (en español): Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Our Lady of Guadalupe is still the great sign of the nearness of Christ with Whom she invites every human being to enter into communion. She also invites all people into communion with one another in respect for each one's rights & in a just common sharing of the goods of this earth."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, feast day: 22 October)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment & to thank God for what He is sending us every day in his goodness."
—St. Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962, feast day: 28 April)

Chesterton Quote o' the Day

"Little Child Jesus, Jesus dear Child,
Mary, His Mother ('twas Mary who smiled),
Joseph, dear Father, see we kneel here,
Tell us, oh tell us, may we draw near?"
—Frances Chesterton (1869-1938)