Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.”
T he Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrates the advent -- the coming -- of "salvation and power, and the Kingdom of God, and the authority of his Anointed" to North America. It remembers a time before America meant the United States, or migrants and Mexico represented threats to anyone's way of life.
Guadalupe remembers the promise of peaceful governance of Native Americans and European colonists under the religious influence of a common Catholic faith. Although their histories and cultures were quite different, both peoples could recognize the young, pregnant mestizo who bowed her head before the Lord of all nations. Despite whatever antagonism there was between Europe and North America, she represented a future that was rapidly coming, and about to be born. And she was not afraid of the future. It was as hopeful as the child within her.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is rightly called the Patroness of All the Americas. As we celebrate this feast we prepare for that day when citizens of the United States will be delighted -- and consider themselves, honored -- to welcome people from every part of the western hemisphere as brothers and sisters in the Lord. Trusting in God's superabundant generosity for those who do not hoard what he provides, we will know at last what it means to be wealthy.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.