by Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU

Zechariah 2:14-17 or Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10b | Luke 1:26-38 or Luke 1:39-47

Mary: The Revolutionary Promise

"And Mary said, 'My soul proclaims the greatness of God; my spirit rejoices in God my savior" (Luke 1:46-47)

On this day, celebrated especially in the Americas, we remember the Mary who visited the humble peasant, Juan Diego, and ask again just who this woman is and what her message is for us today.

So often Mary is depicted on a throne of gold, looking down upon us. Her radiant glory obliterates even the stars in the sky. But is this truly the Mary who speaks to us today? When the Angel first came to her, she sat on no throne. She was young, poor, and seemed no different from others around her. The Angel's glad message mentioned nothing of her impending homelessness, exile, or how she would bear witness to the torture and execution of her son. She was chosen not only to be the mother of Jesus, but to have a searing understanding of the pain and the sorrow that those who are poorest among us may feel...