There is a particularly poignant moment in the story of Our Lady of Guadelupe. Our Lady had appeared to Juan Diego several times, telling him to ask the bishop to build a church in her honor on Tepayac hill. The bishop had basically pooh-poohed this indigenous person’s request until he could offer some proof of the appearance. Meanwhile Juan Diego wanted to see his uncle who was dying. He avoided taking his traditional route because he didn’t want Mary to appear and distract him from visiting his uncle. Mary did, of course, appear and chided Juan Diego. “Do not be afraid. Am I not here? Am I not your mother?” Trusting in her presence, her love, her appearance, her message transformed the gospel mission in the New World. We live in fearful times but Mary’s message is the same. Do not be afraid. Am I not here in fulfillment of the word of the prophet? See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD. Am I not your mother who offers you divine hope and consolation! We are invited to imitate Mary as we hear from the mouth of Elizabeth: Blessed are you who believe that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.
