Meet the Aztec Princess

This December, a series of daily Advent, devotional postings is running from December 1st to December 25^th. Journey beside Mary, the Mother of God, as she waits for the birth of Jesus.

​STRENGTH

Scripture: “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there…His mother said to the servers, ‘Do whatever he tells you’” (John 2:1, 5).

Quote of the Day: “Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms?” (Our Lady of Guadalupe).

Song Suggestions:
“Song to Our Lady of Guadalupe,” by Annie Karto
“Ave Maria,” by Celtic Women

Questions: Where are you going? Is Mary asking something of you?

MIND

Time to get out of Nazareth and look at the “heavenly” view again.

Imagine this image of Mary: Her dark brown hair is hidden beneath an enormous teal mantle. The mantle is dotted with stars and trimmed with gold. She wears a soft cream tunic, embroidered with precious flowers. With hands merged in prayer, Mary tilts her head to look tenderly at you.

This is Our Lady of Guadalupe. Dressed as an Aztec princess, Mary reveals herself to a lowly farmer named Juan Diego in Mexico, 1531. Today, December 12th is her feast day.

For your meditation today, we are going to put you in the place of little Juan Diego. Now, Juan is a poor peasant, but God destined for Mary to appear to him. Taking direct words from the record of the apparition, we are going to issue them to you. All we need to do is replace the word, “son,” with “child,” and you are all set. If you prefer “son,” or “daughter,” that is also fine. For the purpose of all-inclusion, we will stick with child.
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Our Lady says to you with a tender smile,

“Know, know for sure, my dearest, littlest, and youngest child, that I am the perfect and ever Virgin Holy Mary, Mother of the God of truth through Whom everything lives, the Lord of all things near us, the Lord of heaven and earth…”

“…Listen to me, my youngest and dearest child, know for sure that I do not lack servants and messengers to whom I can give the task of carrying out my words, who will carry out my will. But it is very necessary that you plead my cause and, with your help and through your mediation, that my will be fulfilled…”

What do you think Mary is asking you to do? She asks Juan Diego to plead with the Bishop of Mexico to create a church in her honor. Mary has all sorts of servants and messengers; angels and people; but there is only one you. You might be trying to figure that out right now. You may be frightened and unsure. You may want to avoid Mary because that is easier. Juan Diego knows what Our Lady asks of him, and he purposefully avoids her out of fear. Yet, this is what Our Lady says:

“What is happening, dearest and youngest of my children? Where are you going? Where are you headed?”

“Listen, put it into your heart, my youngest and dearest child, that the thing that disturbs you, the thing that afflicts you, is nothing. Do not let your countenance, your heart be disturbed. Am I not here, I, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything more? Let nothing else worry you, disturb you.”

(“Words Spoken by Mary at Guadalupe.” Br. Francis Mary, “Nican Mopohua: Original Account of Guadalupe,” in A Handbook on Guadalupe. 

HEART

If she is asking you to act, go do so. You have been waiting for days and when the Lord comes, we are to embrace Him.

If she is asking you to wait, be patient. This is why you are on this journey, so that you may learn what it is to wait and find joy and value in it.

If she is asking you to do a task while you wait, do it with her. She had to travel across Palestine as she waited for Jesus to be born.

If you do not know what she is asking of you, be not afraid. You are under the shadow of her protection. As you go about your day, do whatever gives the most glory to God. That is sufficient, and it pleases your Mother very much.

SOUL

Dear Lady of Guadalupe, who holds the precious Savior in your womb, wrap me in your heavenly mantel and hold me in your embrace. Comfort me and assist me as my mother.

I ask for clarity, understanding, peace, and patience.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.
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Mary, teach me how to wait.