Our Lady of Guadalupe 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Zechariah 2:14-17

“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion,

For I am about to come, I shall dwell among you,” says Yahweh. “On that day, many nations will join Yahweh and be my people, but my dwelling is among you.” The people of Judah will be for Yahweh as his portion in his holy land.

He will choose Jeruslem again. Keep still in Yahweh’s presence, for he comes, having risen from his hloly dwelling.”

 

Jdt 13:18bcde, 19

You are the highest honor of our race.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 1:39-47

Mary then set out for a town in the Hills of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb.

Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit, and giving a loud cry, said, “You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. 

Blessed are you who be­lieved that the Lord’s word would come true!” And Mary said:  “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God my savior!

  Gospel Reflection：

Our Lady of Guadalupe, the pregnant , brought joy to the house of zechariah! Even before Jesus is born, even from womb of his Virgin Mother, Jesus began his mission – to save! John the Baptist becomes the first beneficiary. Down through the ages salvation is offered to all. And Mary, the Mother, is part of this workd of salvation!

John the Baptist and his mother Elizabeth recognize that Mary is “the most blessed among women” inasmuch as she bears in her womb the Savior of the world. Yes, indeed, Mary is the most blessed of all creatures. She is “the highest honor of our race.”

And she is the creature most feared by the Devil, for with her Son the Devil will be crushed! Such was the story in Mexico in the early 16”century! Through Our Lady of Guadalupe the missionaries succeeded in converting the pagans of the new world.

Today again we need her for a new wave of conversions! Oh Lady of Guadalupe come and crush anew the serpent, the devil today!