No pushover this gal....

This feast is now the largest celebration of Catholics on this continent.  We today join with the millions of Catholic faithful who look to Mary, under the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe for joy, family, and hope.  Joy: in her bearing of the Christ, and of all children born of women. Family: the image of mother in the human family who gathers, nourishes, and protects her loved ones. And hope: loving mothers never stop sacrificing and encouraging their children to reach their potentials.  Therefor this mass is offered for all moms, living on earth and in heaven, and for all who see virgin of Guadalupe as a model for our own lives.

Guadalupe is not some passive, or weak person, but is aggressive, strong, and alive with the Holy Spirit.  After all she was filled with God’s spirit at her annunciation, so she could bear to the world the fire of God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ.  In a way she was privileged to experience a “pre-Pentecost”.  And as a mother she was not afraid to do whatever it took to care for that life….risking loss of familiar home and community.  She led the Holy family by her trusting in God…..Later Jesus would show the epitome of that trust in sacrificing all for our very lives.  Guadalupe is not afraid to search the streets, the underpasses of our roads and highways, the cardboard boxes and slums where the poor find little shelter.  She gives as a mother gives of her own milk, in the form of hot soup, blankets, water and any food that will sustain life.  She stands in front of her children and those who misguidedly would want to hurt, rape, or even kill any of her own. Her image and name led the people of Mexico to freedom from Spain,  And she can lead us to freedom from the bondage of sin with the simple words “Do as my son tells you”  And in her son we find forgiveness from sin, and the promise of everlasting life.  Like any good mom, she always has the best advice.  Lastly, she is known as the first disciple, putting personal ambition aside to first and foremost follow her son.  She shows us how its done with unending faith, perseverance, and humility. She reminds us that in our own tough times, all things are possible with God. So if we are to honor her, how about some imitation….  May we never be afraid to search out the lost, the neglected, the forgotten, the marginalized, the elderly and sick; those living in fear and in the shadows with the same drive and fearless love of Guadalupe.  For though her example, we too can bear her son who is the author and giver of all life.  Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe!,  long live those who trust in God.