The Virgin of Guadalupe and the call to vocation…

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe comes at the midway point of Advent. Mary, the Mother oh God, left her image for us on Juan Diego’s tilma (cloak). This is the only actual image that we have of her. The black «cinta» (belt) around her waist and the four-petal flower over her abdomen, signify that she is a woman with child, a pregnant Mary. There is much more symbolism to the image that Our Lady left us on December 12, 1531, but for discerners in Advent, this pregnant Mary is a good companion.

The beautiful lady of Tepeyac is a guide for all vocations. She helps humble Juan Diego  to understand his calling: “Juanito, my youngest and dearest son, where are you going?” Then she proceeded to direct his steps, to give him the courage to enter the halls of power as her representative and spokesperson. Maybe in  this Advent, some can hear her beautiful voice like an invitation to a deeper understanding and acceptance of God’s call..

The Virgin of Guadalupe is Mother. Her words to Juan Diego and to us from Tepeyac show how deeply Mary has embraced this calling: “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?” Cradled in her arms, close to her heart, our ears are best attuned to the voice of her Son. In her maternal embrace this Advent, maybe some can listen the voice of her Son like an invitation to follow Him.

Virgin of Guadalupe, pray for all the young people, specially for all that feel the call to follow Jesus, your beloved Son!

Fr. Alfredo.