Optional Memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
1 Corinthians 1:26–31
REFLECT
Speculation about the historicity of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe has existed for centuries. As early as 1794 a Spanish historian and philosopher named Juan Bautista Muñoz contested the authenticity of the event. Since Muñoz, others have debated the truth of the apparition. Some have even claimed that Juan Diego, the indigenous man to whom Our Lady appeared, did not exist! And yet ample historical and cultural evidence exists to the contrary. And here, amidst this controversy and doubt, we find the Lord, who “chose the weak of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27).
PRAY
St. Juan Diego, pray for us that we might have your simplicity and courage. Help us to respond to our Mother Mary’s promptings with a share of your docility and meekness. Amen.
LIVE
Prepare for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe today by buying a candle with her image on it from a local store or online.