Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
In December 2015, National Geographic Magazine published a fascinating article titled How the Virgin Mary Became the World's Most Powerful Woman. (Read full article here.) The award-winning Catholic author Maureen Orth discusses several examples of Mary's influence around the globe.
The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day we celebrate today, is one of the most popular Marian images in the world, highly cherished by the Mexican culture. Millions of terminally and chronically ill people travel to the cold waters of Lourdes, France for healing. Medjugorje, although still not officially approved by the Vatican as an apparition, draws thousands of pilgrims each year. Clearly, Our Blessed Mother is a source of comfort for devout Christians throughout the world. Interesting how even our Muslim brothers and sisters honor the Virgin. It is said that Mary is mentioned more times in the Koran than in the Bible!
The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day we celebrate today, is one of the most popular Marian images in the world, highly cherished by the Mexican culture. Millions of terminally and chronically ill people travel to the cold waters of Lourdes, France for healing. Medjugorje, although still not officially approved by the Vatican as an apparition, draws thousands of pilgrims each year. Clearly, Our Blessed Mother is a source of comfort for devout Christians throughout the world. Interesting how even our Muslim brothers and sisters honor the Virgin. It is said that Mary is mentioned more times in the Koran than in the Bible!
Undeniable, Mary plays an important role as intercessor. Ever since 40 A.D. Christians have reported apparitions of her; some appearances verified and others questionable.
Why is Mary so popular..and powerful? What is it about her that inspires songs, prayers, pilgrimages, processions, and even priceless works of art?
Author Maureen Orth offers the following insight:
As a universal symbol of maternal
love, as well as of suffering and sacrifice, Mary is often the touchstone of
our longing for meaning, a more accessible link to the supernatural than formal
church teachings. Her mantle offers both security and protection. Pope Francis,
when once asked what Mary meant to him, answered, “She is my mamá.”
Not only does the Blessed Virgin Mary provide security and
protection but also mercy. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we should turn
to our "Mama" for guidance. How can we be more
merciful toward our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? What does the
word "mercy" really mean to us? Where have we failed in being
merciful toward the weak, the poor, and the marginalized? Do we accept the Lord's mercy or deny it as something of no value?
Today's meditation artwork, a non-traditional rendition of
Our Lady of Guadalupe, colorfully illustrates the Blessed Virgin Mary in
different roles. Red represents the Virgin's mighty protection against the
snares of the devil. Green and yellow symbolize Mary's intercessory role between Christ and us. Even the purple and blue is seen as Mary's maternal vocation - providing the love, care and mercy we desperately need in this challenging world. Overall, the kaleidoscope of
colors show the importance of the Virgin Mary in our faith journeys.
Our Lord will never deny his Mother what she wants for her children just as he will never deny us his infinite mercy.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for Us!
"Heavenly Father, in Our Lady of Guadalupe
our eyes can behold your long-awaiting promise of salvation; may our eyes
behold him for ever when the promises of Christ are filled "
-Prayer from The Magnificat Advent Companion
2015 (pg .31)
-J.
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