Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12, 2022
Daily Reading from the USCCB: Luke 1:26-38
The angel’s words to Mary, “Do not be afraid,” are something many people in today’s world need to hear. Given the availability of 24/7 TV news, it is hard to avoid seeing the many places where entire nations and populations are in turmoil…real life and death situations. We are fortunate to live in a nation where for the most part we have a safe environment. Yet even so, we can see a deteriorating sense of basic right and wrong in our own society.
It’s not difficult to understand good people wondering “where is God in all of this turmoil and violence?” Well, the truth is that God is right in the middle of all those helpless people who are struggling to survive in life-threatening conditions.
It is the story of sin, of humanity throughout history. As Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mary took her place on the side of those who are poor and powerless in this world. And that is why Jesus’ own life and unjust sufferings remind us that the good suffer as Jesus did. More importantly through Jesus and Mary, we are reminded that this life is not the whole story of life. There is an eternity to follow where the righteous and innocent will rejoice.
