Our Lady of Guadalupe December 12, 2023

Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12, 2023, Matthew 1:26-38
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121223.cfm

“Finding Favor with God?”

Angel Gabriel knew his message to Mother Mary was challenging to grasp, and he told her not to be afraid because she had found favor with God. She didn’t understand but still took the angel’s word that she would be the Mother of God.

So Mother Mary knew what Juan Diego experienced when she appeared to him in 1531. The last thing he expected was to encounter Our Lady and to become her messenger to the bishop. He tried to evade his mission, but Mother Mary was persistent. On this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we can find courage when God calls us to do something difficult.

Juan Diego was a poor peasant and a most unlikely candidate to tell the archbishop to build a church in honor of the Blessed Virgin. Of course, the archbishop didn’t believe him, and he asked Juan to provide a sign. Following Mary’s instruction, Juan gathered roses during the winter and presented them to the archbishop in the fold of his garment.

The bishop saw the roses and a beautiful image of Mary that we know as Our Lady of Guadalupe. Millions of pilgrims visit the church built in Mary’s honor in Mexico.

Gospel Challenge:

Is there something God has been calling you to do and still waiting for you to say yes? Pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe for the courage to do all God commands. She understands your hesitancy but will back you up with the help she received from the Holy Spirit.

Ignite the Fire
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…

Mother Mary, I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com

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