are the feet of the one bringing good news,
Announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, saying to Zion,
“Your God is King!”
We sing the above verse from Isaiah on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe as we recall the first mountain on which Mary appeared. That is, Mount Zion where Elizabeth lived with her husband Zachariah. And she also appeared on a mountain to Juan Diego, the catechumen, as he walked to Mexico City to attend daily Mass.
The odd expression -- praise for a part of one's body; in this case, his feet -- reminds us of the enthusiastic woman who praised "the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed!" We might happily call someone's face "a sight for sore eyes" after not seeing them for a long time. In these bible incidents, the sight of Mary and Jesus signal good and glad news; we're glad to see them.
It cannot be a coincidence that Mary appeared so near Mexico City during Advent, as this is the season of expectation. We're waiting for Good News, even if it must come from a distant place. And even a sighting of the messenger on the distant road, perhaps just coming into view, is also good news, beautiful to behold, and gladdening to the heart. They might disappear into a valley or under the cover of trees before they arrive, but we saw them and they're coming!
Advent is a glad season of penance. We're well aware of our sins, but we need not be staggered by shame or remorse about them. The Lord knows we're human; he knows the dirt from which we're made. But he has no regrets about our creation or our redemption. And he sends messengers to encourage us with gladness as we await our salvation.
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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.