Collect taken from the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Collect: O God, Father of mercies, who placed your people under the singular protection of your Son’s most holy Mother, grant that all who invoke the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe, may seek with ever more lively faith the progress of peoples in the ways of justice and of peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ…
“O God, Father of mercies, who placed your people under the singular protection of your Son’s most holy Mother,,”
– It is God’s design that we are helped by the intercession and protection of Mary. Far from taking away His glory, Mary’s role in our lives magnifies it and so we praise God for this great gift.
“grant that all who invoke the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe, may seek with ever more lively faith the progress of peoples in the ways of justice and of peace.”
– We do not just ask for Mary’s help and let ourselves fall into slothful waiting. We ask her prayers to help each of us grow in faith. And since faith without works is dead, our prayer even identifies how that faith should take form: by seeking justice and peace for God’s people. In this way we see Love of God and Love of Neighbor working together.
Questions & Advice: Who is Mary to you? Are you working for justice and peace in your own community? Are your efforts in society guided by faith?
Read about the importance and role of society in the Catechism (1878-96). It might also be helpful to read about the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe if you are unfamiliar with it. Spend some of your daily prayer time reflecting on Mary’s role in your spiritual life. Ask her to help you apply your faith in society.
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| Sancta Maria de Guadalupe, ora pro nobis! |