As the birth of our Lord approaches, I reflect on the idea of why we celebrate Christmas. In the American culture, is it because of the gifts? Is it because of the flashy sales? No. It is about the humble beginnings of Christianity. Mary and Joseph were not rich, so when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she was to be the mother of God, it must have come as quite a shock. I would definitely freak out if I were in her position. Yet her answer to the angel was a very humble yes. Her faith and belief that God would provide, helped her to her fiat (her yes).
I was curious as to why Luke’s account of the Annunciation was chosen for the Gospel on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I found that the Marian apparitions to a peasant in Mexico City, Juan Diego, could draw comparisons to the Annunciation. Juan Diego listened to Mary’s request for a church to be built in her honor. Juan Diego went to the Archbishop who at first didn’t believe him. Juan’s faith persevered, and he met with Mary on different occasions until his uncle fell ill, so he went to take care of him, just like how Mary went to Elizabeth. Mary appeared to Juan Diego on his journey to tell him that his uncle was healed. She then performed a miracle to help convince the Archbishop to build a small chapel where the apparitions were. Just like the miracle of Jesus’s birth initiated the building of Christianity.
With Christmas so close, Our Lady of Guadalupe calls us to reflect on the humble beginnings of the Church and how we should reflect on our own faith to be able to answer the call from God and say yes.
Daily Reading
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Reading I Mi 5:1-4a Thus says the LORD: You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for…
Saint of the Day
Blessed Jacopone da Todi
Jacopone da Todi, “Crazy Jim,” transformed from a worldly man to a devoted Franciscan, known for “Stabat Mater” hymn and spiritual courage.
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