WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 | FEAST OF SAINT JUAN DIEGO CUAUHTLATOATZIN
1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Psalm 131; Matthew 11:25-30
Meekness is the quiet strength of a humble and gentle heart, capable of enduring hardship without bitterness. Saint Juan Diego embodied this virtue. Through his humility, simplicity and trust, he was chosen by the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, to bear a message of hope and consolation.
The readings for this memorial reveal God's preference for the humble, the lowly, and the burdened. Their message runs counter to a culture that prizes power, status and self-assertion. Saint Juan Diego reminds us that true greatness lies not in might, but in humility and faith. As Jesus declares, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Mt. 5:5). In a world captivated by power, the meek bear witness to the transforming strength of God's grace.
Leobardo Almazan, PhD, MHA, HEC-C
Director of Ethics
Ascension
Pause
How am I moved by the Gospel truth that meekness is not weakness, but strength made gentle by humility, restrained by love, and surrendered to God?
Pray
God of the Universe, Creator of Light and Dark: You have formed us together as one body to proclaim Your peace. Draw us beyond our own narrowness to recognize Christ within ourselves and one another. Help us to choose unity – humility over pride and patience over anger. Make in us Your dwelling place, O God, that we may be worthy builders of Your Kingdom and true instruments of Your grace. Amen.