Word to the Wise
Tuesday, December 12, 2017 - Dec. 12 - Our Lady of Guadalupe
[Zech 2:14-17, or Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab and Luke 1:26-38, or Luke 1:39-47,800]A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. [Revelation]
The rise to prominence of devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe has been amazing to me. Growing up in the 1950's and 60's, I was familiar with Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Fatima and only vaguely aware of the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The famous image on the cape of Juan Diego began to take on prominence during the grape-pickers strike in California in the late 60's. Demographers will likely say the increase in awareness is due to the increase in immigration from Mexico, which makes sense. When I was a pastor in San Antonio in the mid to late 90's, attendance at Mass on December 8th (the Immaculate Conception), a holyday of obligation, was small. Four days later, the church would be full for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. One wonders what Mary must think of the contrast. The first feast emphasizes a truth about her theological status as Mother of God. The second feast, however, emphasizes her concern for all peoples who are poor and oppressed. It is easy to see why the second feast has gained in popularity, even among non-Hispanic Christians.
The scriptures assigned for the day stretch from themes of solidarity (Zechariah), apocalyptic vision (Revelation) and humble but significant news to Mary about her future. Whether or not we associate any of these themes with our own Marian devotion, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe seems to me to be closer to the gospel image. The Guadalupe image appears on just about any public surface in Texas. We are reminded daily of her patronage. December 12 allows for early morning celebration of Las Mananitas. But it is the long term and consistent care for all of humanity that appeals so broadly and offers us food for thought today. AMEN