Good and gracious God,
Today, I give you thanks for this Feast day of our Blessed Mother as Our Lady of Guadalupe. She made herself vulnerable, yet as an offering, appearing pregnant to St. Juan Diego and leaving her image on his cloak. I think of how you ask me to be vulnerable, trusting to give myself to another, even when they question me and ask for more information.
Your heart must have soared when you saw how Our Lady of Guadalupe saw the signs of destruction in Mexico with the Aztec sacrifices that killed many. Her intervention saved the natives and brought peace. She drew St. Juan as a conduit of grace for them, providing a means for a turning back to you. The roses that fell from his cloak and your image left on it were a sign no one could deny.
Father, you give me many signs to recognize your hand in my life; like my Monday morning ladies’ group, the women I meet with throughout the month, the ministries I associate with, and those I nod to at morning Mass. I see smiles in the faces I socialize with throughout the week and concerned tones in family and friends I speak with in person or on the phone. I am grateful to have relationships with many people in different places all over the world. You are in all of them, giving me comfort and joy. You are so good to me. I am blessed beyond words.
I know Our Lady draws me, too. She is but a prayer away; I find her when reciting the Hail Mary prayer with every police or fire siren, ambulance, worry, concern, or fear. She is the stability in my prayers as I offer them to you. She is constant, available, and open to hearing me as a mother would. St. Juan felt defeated when first doubted, yet Our Lady did not give up on him. She gave him more than he asked. She doesn’t give up on me but showers me with her love, bringing my every prayer and petition to you.
Thank you for the continued reminders of how my heavenly Mother provides for me. Help me be like her, continue to push past any obstacles, and seek the signs that occur throughout my day – ordinary things that are extraordinary because of love extended within and through them. Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus
Public Domain Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the mantle (tilma) of Juan Diego
OLOGUADALUPE is one of my favorite titles of Our Lady. OL of Medjugorje is another and of course, OLOMC. Medjugorje was where OL took away the stone of anger in my heart and gave me a forgiving heart. That’s where a deeper walk with the Lord began. Continued prayers for you, Cathy.