Mary: Our Lady of Guadalupe

Some say that the test of any man’s character is how he takes praise. There are people who falsely praise us for the things that we did not do. There are people who praise to win our support or to gain something. There are people who praise others to cover up their ugly sides. There are worthy praises given to worthy people but it happens very seldom. Praising can be good or bad depending on how the person praises and how the praised person takes it.

On the 8th we have celebrated the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Today, we have another big event: we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We praise and honour her for accepting the role of being the Mother of God; for accepting all the problems and challenges that it includes. She took in confusions and lack of understanding as part of Divine plan. She did not know how she would become the mother; she did not know why the Child had to be busy with His Own Father’s business; she did not know why he had to travel to preach the Good News; she did not know why he had to suffer and die; she did not know how he cured people and multiplied bread. Yet she pondered and prayed so that God might reveal His love and light to her heart and mind.

The Blessedness is the theme of today’s readings. Mary was called ‘Most Blessed’. Mary herself proclaimed that she will be called blessed by all generation. Blessedness is the key teaching of Jesus and occupied the prime position in the Sermon on the Mount. Blessedness is the challenge of the Church today that the Christians are called to share the blessedness of the Mother who in turn the greatest model who followed the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount.

The more we praise and celebrate our life, the more there is in life to celebrate (Oprah Winfrey). We have a lot to celebrate and praise God since we have received innumerable gifts through Mary our Mother: Our Lady of Guadalupe and all those who come into this Church. May they receive the peace and joy of Our Lord and be blessed by the intercession of Mary. Happy Feast to all! Amen.