Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe


Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Information about Our Lady of Guadalupe
Readings for Tuesday

Commentary:

Reading 1 Zec 2:14-17

This first selection from the Book of the Prophet Zechariah once more predicts the coming of the Messiah. It provides a rather unique glimpse at the messianic expectation – He comes to unify and security to the faithful. This passage also demonstrates the “true man, true God” essence of the Lord; “Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the Lord! For he stirs forth from his holy dwelling.”

Or
Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab

This alternate reading would be selected if the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe was taking precedence over the Advent Season readings. Here we are given the passage from John’s Book of Revelations that provides a symbol of Mary who is Queen of Heaven. In the passage the eschatological symbolism shows Mary giving birth to her son, Jesus. It also depicts Satan who, knowing the nature of the Lord, puts forces in motion to destroy the child.

Responsorial Psalm Judith 13:18bcde, 19
R. You are the highest honor of our race.

This short hymn of praise from Judith is predictive of the blessed role Mary will play in human salvation.

Gospel Lk 1:26-38

The footnote from the New American Bible on this particular passage gives us a lot to think about: “The announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus is parallel to the announcement to Zechariah of the birth of John. In both the angel Gabriel appears to the parent who is troubled by the vision (Luke 1:11-12, 26-29) and then told by the angel not to fear (Luke 1:13, 30). After the announcement is made (Luke 1:14-17, 31-33) the parent objects (Luke 1:18, 34) and a sign is given to confirm the announcement (Luke 1:20, 36). The particular focus of the announcement of the birth of Jesus is on his identity as Son of David (Luke 1:32-33) and Son of God (Luke 1:32, 35).”

On this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the reaction of Mary to this announcement is particularly important in that she gives her humble consent, know the potential consequences of her act include her own death.

Reflection:

Today as we continue our Advent journey we remember especially the Mother of Jesus, Mary most holy. She has been most active as the Mother of the Church. Her appearance to Juan Diego and the subsequent miraculous events gave focus to the faith in the Americas and provides even more proof of God’s love for all peoples of all races and creeds.

Within the context of the Advent Season, we are reminded that the role she played in accepting the call to bear the Lord was critical to the whole human race. She was called as we hear in the Gospel today. She accepted not only the will of God but is first in showing us what our faith in the Savior must look like. As we continue to do our interior remodeling, let’s place the image of Mary, our Lady of Guadalupe on the walls of the baby’s room in our hearts. He has special love for his Mother. We place it there with this prayer;

To Our Lady Dark Yet Fair


O hail, thou Virgen de Guadalupe! Unfailing refuge, our solace in days of
grief, Radiant Queen so kind, our Mother of sweet relief ¡Viva la Virgen de
Guadalupe!

Lovely Maid, fairest star above the sea! Advocate e'er
gracious of clemency and love, Deign to listen to our pleas, O mother above
¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!

Yea, O Lady of Guadalupe; O meek and
gentlest One, take heed to our groaning; For oft we stumble and raise to thee
our moaning ¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!

Golden gate of heav'n,
thou radiant portal; Unstained by sin, blissful queen of heav'n and earth, Aid
me that I may love Him whom you did give birth ¡Viva la Virgen de
Guadalupe!

Daughter of God, thou queen of royalty, Ave Maria! With
joyful hearts we hail thee! Look on us so kindly, O Blessed Virgin Mary! ¡Viva
la Virgen de Guadalupe!

Unfailing refuge and sweetest Mother; Pearl
of grace so fair, fail not thine children to care, E'er our sweetest Advocate
who did God once bear ¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!


-- Jeong-Bo Shim

Jeong-Bo is a thirteen year old boy who lives with his family in Corvallis, Oregon. He is home-schooled and enjoys writing poetry. Last year, he was the state winner of the Junior Catholic Daughters of America poetry contest. He also plays the violin and has been invited to play a solo meditation at the Trappist Abbey of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Last year he won second place in the MTNA national competition. He enjoys playing soccer, basketball, tennis, and swimming as well as gardening. He received help on the first verse from Katheryn Atkinson of Tehachipi, California.

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