2ND THURSDAY HOMILY OF ADVENT — YEAR A
2ND THURSDAY HOMILY OF ADVENT — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: JUAN DIEGO’S BRAVE YES—A CALL TO COURAGE FOR US ALL
BY: Fr. Anthony O. Ezeaputa, MA.
Today, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is also the feast day of our parish, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Catholic Church, Peña Blanca, NM. Happy feast day, dear brothers and sisters. May Our Lady of Guadalupe continue to pray for us.
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Today’s feast brings to mind the powerful encounter between Juan Diego and the Virgin Mary. This transformative meeting not only challenged Juan Diego but also reminds us that by venturing beyond our comfort zones, we can all make a meaningful impact.
Juan Diego was a humble and devout Aztec convert. He was a simple farmer, a weaver, and a laborer who lived a quiet life. But on December 9, 1531, his life took a dramatic turn when he encountered the Virgin Mary on the Hill of Tepeyac.
At first, Juan Diego was terrified and doubtful when he saw the Virgin Mary (Nican Mopohua, 1). Juan Diego felt unworthy of such a huge mission. However, Mary comforted him by stating, “You are my ambassador, my messenger. I have chosen you to deliver my message to the bishop” (Nican Mopohua, 27).
Juan Diego’s willingness to listen to the Virgin Mary and follow through on her request—even when he was initially hesitant—shows us the value of trusting in God’s plan. He didn’t allow fear or doubts to hinder him from fulfilling his mission. Instead, he chose to put his faith in the Virgin Mary’s words and follow her lead.
Imagine someone you care about—a friend, coworker, or family member—is going through a tough time. Perhaps they’re experiencing unfair treatment, and no one appears to be taking action.
But then, God gives you a unique gift—clarity. You see the situation with perfect clarity, and you know that your loved one is innocent. You feel a strong sense of justice and a desire to speak out on their behalf.
However, as you consider taking action, fear starts to creep in. You think about the potential backlash you might face—the criticism, the judgment. You start to wonder if it’s really worth it.
This is where we can learn from Juan Diego’s example. When the Virgin Mary asked him to speak to the bishop on her behalf, Juan Diego was hesitant at first. He felt unworthy, uneducated, and unprepared for such a task.
But he chose to trust in God’s plan. He chose to trust that the Virgin Mary had chosen him for a reason and that he had a crucial role to play in her mission. So, Juan Diego took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and spoke to the bishop. And as we know, the rest is history.
As we reflect on Juan Diego’s bravery tonight, I want to ask: Have you ever felt compelled to defend the right, fight for justice, or stand up for someone who is receiving unfair treatment? And when that feeling hits, do you ever hesitate or feel unsure about taking action?
Let us learn from Juan Diego’s example today. Let us choose to trust in God’s plan, even when it’s difficult or uncertain. Let us remember that we are not alone, that we have the Virgin Mary’s intercession and guidance to support us.
Let us also pray for the courage to speak out, to stand up for justice, and to defend those who are suffering. May Our Lady of Guadalupe pray for us, and may we, like Juan Diego, be willing to listen to God’s call and to respond with faith, hope, and love. Amen.
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