Ponderings of Grace ~ Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, 2013

When I reflect on the feast of Mary's Immaculate Conception, I don't think about the meaning for Mary but of the meaning it has for us. I think of the simple people. I think of the people who in deep faith implore Mary on her special feast day because they trust she is for them. The people like Blessed Juan Diego, an indigenous person of Tepeyac, Mexico, who said, "My dear Lady...this I beg you, entrust your mission to one of the important persons who is well-known, respected, esteemed so that they may believe him. You know that I am nobody, a nothing, a coward, a pile of old sticks...You have sent me to walk in places where I do not belong..." Yes, to Juan, a humble poor and simple human being, Mary chose to reveal herself and to speak. From that exchange came the devotion to our Lady of Guadalupe, the Immaculate Conception, now world-renowned.

We, too, have our "Juan Diego" self. If we can admit our own humble state, we know we are not worthy of receiving a message from Mary today. Yet, Mary continues to speak to those who are humble enough to hear her message. Let us be humble, simple and open to hearing Mary like Juan Diego.

We know Mary does not stop speaking. It is we who must learn how to listen. What do you think she wants to say to you/us today?

--Mary Elizabeth Clark, SSJ