The title "Guadalupe" is probably a misunderstanding of the Indian word, "Tecoatlaxope," meaning: "she will crush the serpent of stone." This is a prophetic revelation that Mary is "a great sign...a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" (Rv 12:1). Mary leads all Christians in accepting her Son's power to quickly crush Satan (Rm 16:20; Gn 3:15).
The writer of Song of Songs prophesied and questioned: "Who is this that comes forth like the dawn, as beautiful as the moon, as resplendent as the sun, as awe-inspiring as bannered troops?" (Sg 6:10) Mary is the answer to that mysterious question. Mary is a great sign of victory because she is the mother of Jesus, Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the armies of heaven (Rv 19:14). She is the mother of the One called "The Faithful and True" (Rv 19:11), Whose name is the Word of God (Rv 19:13) and the "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rv 19:16). She is the conquering queen-mother of the all-conquering King, and she is the adoptive mother of followers of this King, who are more than conquerors in Him (Rm 8:37).
Believe and conquer! Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
| PRAYER: | Father, this Advent send Mary to teach me how to follow Jesus in victory. |
| PROMISE: | "My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my Savior." –Lk 1:46-47 |
| PRAISE: | Our Lady of Guadalupe brought a nation, Mexico, to her Son, Jesus. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College