Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Advent Day 10: Memorial of Saint Juan Diego

"What was Juan Diego like? Why did God look upon him? The Book of Sirach, as we have heard, teaches us that God alone 'is mighty; he is glorified by the humble' (cf. Sir 3:20). Saint Paul's words, also proclaimed at this celebration, shed light on the divine way of bringing about salvation: 'God chose what is low and despised in the world ... so that no human being might boast in the presence of God' (1 Cor 1:28,29).

It is moving to read the accounts of Guadalupe, sensitively written and steeped in tenderness. In them the Virgin Mary, the handmaid 'who glorified the Lord' (Lk 1:46), reveals herself to Juan Diego as the Mother of the true God. As a sign, she gives him precious roses, and as he shows them to the Bishop, he discovers the blessed image of Our Lady imprinted on his tilma."

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