Joining Mary in the Season of Advent

I am writing this article on December 12th, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Looking at this image of Our Lady helps me reflect on Advent, and we can and should look to Mary during this time as well. I am not sure if you are aware, but in this image of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mary is pregnant with baby Jesus.  The gown, and especially the belt worn above her waist, indicate that this was an outfit worn by a noble, pregnant woman.  The veil is a sign of holiness and sacredness as Mary prepares for Jesus’ birth. So, looking to Mary during this time can help us prepare for the coming of our Lord, by recognizing the importance of our duty and mission, from the time our parents, or we ourselves responded “YES” at our baptism and entered the faith. This “YES” gives all of us a sense of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. As we celebrate these four Sundays of Advent, let us be reminded of that “YES,” joining Mary’s “YES” while we ponder the message of the angel Gabriel to our Blessed Mother in heaven.  

HAPPY ADVENT EVERYONE!