In the story of the Annunciation we are given only two phrases that Mary speaks herself, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" and, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." What should impress us most is that these words contain no fear. In one she asks a question relating to a fact that she knows to be true. In the second she fully commits herself with courage and faith to God's plan. It indicates that she knew that she had a choice. She could have said 'no'. She could have been apathetic, which is also a choice. Instead she chooses to live out God's will through her.
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We honor Our Lady and remember the story as she appeared to St. Juan Diego calling him to serve God, similar to the way that the Angel Gabriel appeared to her calling her to serve God. Through her, Juan Diego was led closer to her son, Jesus Christ. Through following God's will, so many more would come to follow the Son and know the Way, the Truth and the Life that leads to the eternal kingdom. Because of her eternal love, watchfulness and protection that leads to Christ, we honor our Lady who bore the Christ Child. Indeed as she appeared to Juan Diego, Christ radiated from within her.
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| Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe from St. Juan Diego's tilma |
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