The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and great in kindness. — Psalm 145:8
Mass reading: Isaiah 41:13-20 / Matthew 11:11-15
Today is the feast of Juan Diego, the Indian peasant to whom Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared and, in his native tongue, instructed him to inform the local bishop she wanted a church built on that spot. The bishop rebuffed Juan, and Mary said, “Do not be afraid, Juanito, am I not here, your mother?” In Isaiah today, God says, “Fear not, I will help you.”
Fear indeed paralyzes us until we can learn to let go and let God. At Guadalupe, Mary came and gave dignity to the oppressed natives. Jesus gives us dignity by dwelling in our hearts and making of us His temple, by sanctifying us, and by making His presence visible to our local community by our values and compassionate love.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to remember that You call all persons no matter their race, language, or skin color.