FEAST!!!

I adore feast days, especially when they involve a mother figure of mine - Mama Mary. Since becoming a mother, and needing certain things in an earthly mother, I have found myself turning to Mary more and more as I age for intercession and friendship.

Mary confuses many non-Catholics. I can't blame them, when I feel I never can adequately explain to them deeper than we don't worship her, and put her ahead or equal to God. I mean, how do you define air when you simply know it as the means to your existence? How do you define love in words? Actions speak louder than words, and Mary has always demonstrated great faith and grace that witnesses to me. I tell people that you go to your mother for help with something and a listening ear. Maybe she uses her influence to help you, or perhaps she offers comfort. That is Mary. I understand not wanting to worship anyone but our 3-in-1 God, but I do wish my Christian sisters and brothers took a deeper look at this incredible woman as this comforting ear and intercessor (even if all they can do is study her biblically, not just in tradition) When we say "Our Lady" we mean their Lady too. She loves all her children. Use faith filled eyes when looking, and you will see what I see, I KNOW it. You will be uplifted for it.

Nothing could be more perfect than what she says to a troubled Juan Diego - a very poor man who had lost his dear wife. His life was much worse than my life is now. He traveled no less that 15 miles a day on foot to get to where he needed to be, including worship. He lived in a time of little medicine, little money, little food. He was alone, yet she said the following to him (what impacts me personally is in bold):

Here I will show and offer all my love, my compassion and protection to the people. I am your merciful Mother, the Mother of all who love me, of those who cry to me, of those who have confidence in me. Here I will hear their weeping and their sorrows .. their necessities and misfortunes. Listen and let it penetrate your heart.

Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and my protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the fold of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?"

So, you can see why I feel like she's talking to me. Our Lady is called many names, and has appeared in many forms, and it's hard to pick a "favorite" - but this one is a sentimental favorite. How I long for these words spoken to me in a certain earthly relationship. They are such comfort, and remind me my home is not on earth, but in heaven. I'm not alone, I am pleasing, I am loved, I am protected, I am HUGGED and ENFOLDED. I need to choose not to fear. 

It's words from the Gospel. She simply points the way to her Son, but reminds me I'm not alone and to not struggle. What an incredible mother Jesus had, and she's my mother, my Queen of Heaven.

Our Mother. Our Queen. 

Tonight we celebrated her feast day with a Mexican style dinner. It was healthy, delicious and SIMPLE. It was just what this no-fuss season of Advent calls for and I don't do enough. 

It was nice to come together as a family in the hustle and bustle of a season that should be quiet and one of preparation. So, a feast day helps freeze time a bit! We ended the day listening to this CD, with the focus on the 2nd story - perfect for the day. 

Want to know more about Mary - check out this great article on her and her place biblically. 

I hope all of you had a wonderful day! Enjoy taking time this Advent to reflect and prepare...even as we all try to get everything done on our lists. Try not to show vexation ;) 

Blessings!!