(Optional) Memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
(Isaiah
40:25-31; Matthew 11:28-30)
The story
of St. Juan Diego parallels today’s readings.
The Mexican native convert was on his way to mass outside the City of
Mexico. The decline of the number of his people with the arrival of the Spanish
no doubt weighed on his heart. On the
journey Juan Diego was stopped by a beautiful woman near the top of Tepeyac
hill. She sent him to the bishop of the
city with the request that a chapel be built on the hill. Doing as directed, Juan Diego eventually witnessed
a sign that the vision was no fantasy. Being
told to bring roses to the bishop, the native was surprised to find them
growing in the December cold. When he
released them from his mantle before the bishop, the roses left the Virgin of
Guadalupe’s image.
Today’s
first reading from Isaiah shows a spirited prophet addressing a people
repressed like native Mexicans.
Jerusalem’s exiles have suffered in Babylon for sixty years. But their time for liberation is at
hand. For some, however, it is an
offering too good to be true. They
wonder if they have the energy to return home.
The prophet assures them that the Lord will be their strength. The gospel confirms God’s assistance. Humble people can always look to him for
comfort and peace. He will provide for
them in need.
We should
look to the Lord for consolation and assistance. Covid has worn many people down. Perhaps more daunting, however, believers are
readily dismissed today as fantasizers. Many
find Christian worship as inconsequential and even counterproductive. Undefeated, we turn to the Lord for strength
and vindication. There is no need to
doubt. The Lord has come to save us.
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