Greetings on this the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Readings: ZEC 2:14-17; JUDITH 13:18BCDE, 19; LK 1:26-38
Notes
To all the women who are anonymously building history.
Judith Beheads Holofernes – Then she took the head out of the bag, showed it to them, and said: “Here is the head of Holofernes, the ranking general of the Assyrian forces, and here is the canopy under which he lay in his drunkenness. The Lord struck him down by the hand of a female! (Judith 13:15). Then Uzziah said to her, “Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the Lord God, the creator of heaven and earth, who guided your blow at the head of the leader of our enemies (Judith 13:18).
Expulsion from Eden. – I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel (Gen 3:16).
The Presentation in the Temple – Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (LK 2:34-35).
Summary
Reflection
Don’t mess with Mom!
As Pope Francis has said we need to demasculinize the church. Women give so much to the church and have been the rock in so many ways. The Pope wants them to have a place at the table on so much more! Source: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/12/07/pope-francis-demasculizing-church-women-246661
Mary said yes and changed the world. So can you. Not instead of men, with men.
Personal Reflection
I do not support the idea of over protective or overly aggressive women so don’t misunderstand me. Women can be as outrageously inappropriate as men. However, we have by the same judgment omitted the genius of women from the theological, liturgical and managerial tables. Enough of that!
First Reading
Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD. Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day, and they shall be his people, and he will dwell among you, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.
Responsorial
You are the highest honor of our race.
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God.
Gospel
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry