Well today is the beautiful feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Last year, I did a YouTube video in honor of this day; you can check that out here . Without repeating everything I said in that video, I would like to focus on Our Lady of Guadalupe for today's reflection on Advent.
Part of the story of this apparition, which I summarize in the video, is that Mary appears to a young man named (now Saint) Juan Diego. She sends him to the bishop of Mexico to spread the message of her love and protection over the lands of the Americas. When the bishop requires proof from Juan Diego, that this is indeed the Mother of God who is appearing to him, Mary shows him where to find a large amount of roses, growing in the cold dead of winter; and he takes these miraculous roses back to the bishop as the proof he requires.
I mentioned in one of my posts last week the beautiful Advent/Christmas song "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming." Jesus is that Rose that blooms in the dead of winter. Mary is the one who brings that Rose to us. I know I spoke of her at length a few days ago, for the Immaculate Conception; but I'd just like to add to that by inviting you, in these days leading up to Christmas, to walk through these days with Mary. She above all knows what it means to prepare for the coming of her Son and to know the fullness of the joy that His coming brings. As she brings St. Juan Diego to the miraculous roses, growing in the dead of winter, let her bring you to the true Rose that blooms among us this Christmas. Imagine yourself taking the journey to Bethlehem with Mary, walking with her through the long, arduous road. And finally, imagine yourself with her when all her trials are rewarded by the miraculous birth of her Son. May the face of that Son shine upon you this Christmas, and may that Rose bloom in your heart.
Pax Vobiscum
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