# Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucy, and St. John of the Cross – Advent Reflections
*2018-12-13*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast days of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucy, and St. John of the Cross, sharing Advent readings, prayers, and meditations that invite us to serve the poor and seek humility.

## Our Lady of Guadalupe – Mother of the Americas

We begin with the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. She is called the Mother of the Americas, a patron for the poor, the sick, and those living on the margins. The reflection describes her as barefoot on the earth, causing roses to bloom in December and birds to sing. She brings forth seed and bread for those who desperately need daily sustenance and freedom. In her weakness she becomes powerful, standing with those who live in darkness and despair. The author, Megan McKinney, asks how we can make a big difference through small acts of faithfulness, love, and service, rather than seeking wealth, status, or personal gain.

## St. Lucy – “Fear Not, Deliver Me”

December 13 is the feast of St. Lucy, the virgin and martyr. The reading includes a prayer attributed to St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta titled “Fear Not, Deliver Me.” It asks Jesus to free us from the desire for love, honor, praise, popularity, and the fear of being despised, humiliated, or forgotten. The prayer moves from death to life, falsehood to truth, despair to hope, and fear to humility. Bill reflects that we often seek approval, yet true peace comes from trusting that Christ accepts us as we are.

## St. John of the Cross – The Spirit of Direction

December 14 celebrates St. John of the Cross{,} Doctor of the Church. The Advent readings are Isaiah 48, Matthew 11, and a meditation by Thomas Merton (misread as Thomas Milton). Merton emphasizes that true meditation is tranquil, simple, and directed toward union with God. It need not be intellectually brilliant; it can be quiet, even “dry, cold, and dark,” because the best fruit grows in such soil. This meditation fills the soul with humility, peace, courage, and determination.

## Prayer and Closing Thoughts

Bill concludes with a short prayer: “Thank you, Lord, for being the Redeemer who rescues us from the slavery of sin. Amen.” He encourages listeners to pray the Rosary and to carry the Advent spirit of service and humility into their daily lives.

*In the darkness of Advent, small acts of love and humility become the light that leads us to Christ.*