Here is a brief account of the story...if you do not know it...I encourage you to read the full account:
In 1531, Mary appeared to Juan Diego near Mexico City. She asked him to send a message to the bishop requesting a shrine be built at the location of the vision. The bishop asked for a sign to be given to ensure it was a truth apparition. The Virgin would not only provide one but three signs -- Castilian roses in the middle of winter, miraculous cure for Juan's uncle of a deadly illness, and especially of her beautiful image on Juan's mantle. These signs would not only convince the bishop to build the shrine but also convince the people to seek conversion to Christianity Within a short time, six million Native Mexicans had themselves baptized as Christians.
The story really does not end at this point...there have been so many miracles documented at the shrine surrounding the incorruptible tilma that still shows her image. Many have tried over the years to destroy his miraculous image in hopes to destroy the faith of the people. In spite of these attempts, the tilma continues to be a sign of hope for all who see it or know its story.
For our own times, we can learn from this event as well. The first lesson is that God has chosen Mary to lead us to Jesus. God wants us to seek out Mary in order to follow her life of humility and obedience to His will. Through Mary, we are able to see the greatest gift, her Son...the Son of God...Jesus.
The second lesson is the way in which Mary appeared to Juan Diego and on his tilma. Mary did not appear to Juan Diego as a European Madonna but as a beautiful Aztec princess speaking to him in his own Aztec language. If we want to help someone appreciate the gospel we bring, we must earn to work within their culture. By understanding them, we can help them to understand and know Christ. Our Lady of Guadalupe is patron of the Americas.
Today Brendan brought fresh, clean water to the crib. This will help us to avoid every untruthful word and every deceitful act. "Dearest Mary, obtain for us true contrition for our sins through your son, Jesus. Amen."
We are beginning to feel renewed energy to complete our lessons. I just hope we can make it until Friday. We did make it through the second day of shopping as well....getting around the grocery store with everyone can wear a person out....but it is all worth it when we are told that it is nice to see our family in the store. We have one checker who goes out of her way to check us out if she is able. Today she was so upset because she was working the 'less that 15 items' register, but she still managed to come over and talk to the boys and Zaira. So sweet!
Thankfully, the temperature was cool enough for us to leave our cold items in the car and we went to Mass to celebrate the feast day. Father gave a great homily about the importance of Our Lady of Guadalupe not just for Mexico, but all the Americas. The Scripture readings were from Revelation, describing the woman clothed with the sun, moon, and stars (Rev 11-12). This image of Mary crushing the serpent's head is the answer to the promise God gave Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.
We begin to see in the Jesse Tree ornaments the references to light, which foreshadow the true light that guides us in Jesus. We read from 1 Kings 18:36-39, in which Elijah builds an altar to allow the Lord to consecrate it by fire...showing the people the true light of God. Only Jesus can guide through the darkness of this world.
We went to bed again tonight to the interesting discussion of Jesus of Nazareth...we read about the idea that some think of the Virgin birth as legend reminiscent of Egyptian/Greek legends. This was a pretty technical part of the book. I am sure it was WAY over the understanding of the boys...and maybe a little over mine as well. I think the main idea we can walk away with is that Jesus really was born of a virgin and that the story was likely placed in the narrative as a better understanding of the mystery of Jesus' origin. I think that as we try to explain away the concept of Jesus as God some seek out reasons for the Bible stories. I just leave to be a mystery that I do not need to fully understand to know that God became man.
I also wanted to mention one tradition that we have in our house...it comes to mind as we are now beginning to receive letters and cards in the mail. A friend of mine ask me if I mind getting a card from her...she knows our method of celebrating the different seasons. I laughed...Christmas cards are one of the ways we fill our Advent season...we love getting news and well wishes from our family and friends. Each card sent is treasured (and saved if it has a religious theme) and reminds us how blessed we are to have so many loved ones in our lives. We take the cards and set them out on display...the cards also serve as a reminder to say a little prayer for whomever it is from. Each night we look at the cards at family prayer time and ask God to bless them.
So, today I wanted the family and friends who have sent cards recently to know that we especially pray for you during the Advent season...To the Puntch family who are such an important part of our lives...for our new bishop who will continue to guide us spiritually in such a big way...and for Rebekah and her growing family...such a blessing to have a newborn so close to Christmas!
Well...Another tiring but fulfilling day of Advent. The best part is the feeling of anticipation that is building as we near the end of this week. We can definitely feel the rise of excitement in the air.
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