Images by Beautiful Light Photography
Sirach 24:24-27, 50:8-9; Proverbs 8:32-35, Revelations 12
I can’t think of the mystery of the Coronation without thinking of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Blessed Virgin Mary has many titles and variations of herself worldwide. Our Lady of Guadalupe was one of the first Marian apparitions that I was ever introduced to. What makes this story strange was that I didn’t learn about her from Catholic school. I learned about her through Wishbone.
For those who don’t know, Wishbone was a series on PBS about a Jack Russell Terrier named Wishbone who loved stories. The stories he shared with the audience would often parallel whatever issues Wishbone’s owner, Joe, was dealing with. One episode Viva Wishbone centered on Joe wanting to find the right present for his mother for Mother’s Day, but he feels scared that his mom likes another kid more than him. Thankfully, one of Joe’s friends, Señora Julia, recounts to him the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe as a way of encouraging him that his mother will love him no matter what.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Our Lady of Guadalupe looks so much like the woman described in Revelations. Our Lady of Guadalupe stands with the sun behind her and the moon at her feet. Her mantle is made of stars and she wore a cinture, an Aztec sign of pregnancy. She stands with her hands folded in prayer and her head bowed down, which indicated that she is acknowledging someone greater than herself.
The Mystery of Mary’s Coronation reminds us that God is calling all of us to imitate her. She magnifies the Lord and is given the highest honor: Queenship over Heaven and Earth. Mary exemplifies this verse from Matthew 23:12: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
It all comes off as majorly intimidating, that Mary could be so great. However, she did not aspire or grasp at greatness. Instead, greatness was thrust upon her and she accepted it with humility. If we want to imitate Mary, we must practice humility. As hard as it sounds, know that Mary will help you in your journey to holiness. Mary’s love, much like God’s love, is an unconditional love.
Reflections
How do you think you can imitate Mary?
How do you think your relationship with Mary can help you with the relationship you have with your own mother?
Action
One of my favorite Marian prayers is the Memorare. Offer this prayer and ask Mary to guide you in humility and to help you surrender to God’s will.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
