12/12/2019 ADVENT APPETIZER — FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Posted on Dec 12, 2019 by

[Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.] (Lk. 1:39-40)

In today’s Gospel we get a glimpse of the personality and motherly care of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Immediately after conceiving the Son of God in her virginal womb she travels “in haste” to take care of her cousin Elizabeth who herself has conceived a child in her old age.

Mary has every reason not to concern herself with Elizabeth’s pregnancy. After all Mary was singled out by God to be His mother. She was a pretty big deal. Also the journey to Elizabeth’s home was over 90 miles.  This was definitely not a journey a pregnant woman should make.  Mary could have held up in her house, feeling self important because she was carrying the Son of God in her womb.  Yet, she did the complete opposite. Mary rushed to the aid of her cousin in her time of need.

If Mary was so willing to help out her cousin, how much more then is she concerned with her children in difficult moments.  Yes, we can ask Jesus to be with us and He is.  However we also can ask our Blessed Mother to comfort us with a mother’s touch. She is not indifferent to our struggles, but desires to hold her scared and suffering children close as any mother does. Our Lady’s words at Guadalupe ring true,

“There is nothing to frighten and distress you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and let nothing upset you. Is it not I, your Mother, who is here? Are you not under my protection? Are you not, fortunately, in my care?”