Our Lady of Guadalupe “Do Not Be Disturbed”
Our Lady of Guadalupe “Do Not Be Disturbed”
When the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego on a hill near what is now Mexico City, she reassured him saying, “Do not be disturbed in your heart. Do not be afraid. Am I not with you, I who am your mother?” This was a difficult time for the indigenous people of Mexico. They were losing their lands and their way of life. Their Spanish colonizers were exploiting them without mercy. Mary was sympathetic to the Native Americans.
Because of the miracle of Guadalupe, the image of Mary that relates to this story has become a symbol of reassurance for all Mexican people wherever they may live. The image is that of a pregnant Native American woman clothed in blue.
Today, the plight of migrants, in our country is a difficult one. We know what has happened the last few years. The rights of immigrants have been trampled upon in many ways. We hear the sad stories of parents being separated from their children as families try to enter the United States through Texas. Some children have still not found their parents.
People seeking asylum from Central America are not allowed into our country and they wait in squalid conditions on the other side of the border. The ideals of the United States are disregarded. We know longer seem to allow people the opportunity for a better life.
The American Bishops seem to disagree about many things today, but they have a united voice when it comes to issues of immigration at our southern borders. All of them speak out in defense of those seeking justice and protection.
We have a long history of migration from Mexico in our community. We have many parishioners who whose roots are in countries to our south. A lot of them are struggling right now because they are employed in service industries. Many are not eligible for government assistance. This is a hard time for a lot of the poor.
Our Lady’s words remind us where she stands on questions of migration. “I am your mother.”
Reflection Questions:
- How do I feel about migration issues? Am I in agreement with the American Catholic Bishops?
- What if I was looking for economic opportunity? Would I want to be let into the United States so I could earn a living to support myself and my family?
Dear Parishioners,
Please remember that hours for the Sacrament of Reconciliation have been extended on Saturday. The Saturday hours during Advent are 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Wednesday night of next week we will have confessions from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Also remember that our Advent adult education series on Sacrament of Reconciliation will continue Tuesday night at 7 p.m. I will be sharing on examining one’s conscience. Some people have asked questions about how the church categorizes sin. People are wondering about things like venial sin and mortal sin. I will try to address these questions. All of this will be live on Facebook and there will time for questions and answers. Just submit your questions in the comment section.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark