A Trusting 'Yes'
"Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.'" (Luke 1:38)
"Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.'" (Luke 1:38)
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.
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.
Is there something God has been calling you to do and still waiting for you to say yes?
Our Lady of Guadalupe, enfold us with your openness to trust the Lord when we don't understand what He is asking us to do. Amen.
Father Rick Pilger, I.C. was born in Canton, Illinois, the third of four children. He attended St. John’s Seminary in Wonersh, England, and was ordained in 1979. Fr. Rick is a member of the religious order, Institute of Charity, founded by Blessed Antonio Rosmini. He has served parishes in Galesburg, IL., Bradenton, FL., and now in Seminole, FL. as a Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Father Rick’s greatest passion is sharing God’s good Word and celebrating the Sacraments with His people.
