A Virgin A Day": Day 6 "Am I Not Here, I Thy Mother?"

"Am I Not Here, I Thy Mother?" Juan Diego before Our Lady

First off: a correction to yesterday's posting: the caption for the image should read, Juan Diego on his knees...not Don Diego! Oops! Quite a difference from a historical standpoint between the two.

The story of Juan Diego and the appearance's of Mary is an interesting story if you've not heard or read it before. You can find the story told here.

Can you imagine being out in the middle of nowhere and encountering an apparition? The man had to be somewhat terrified. I wonder what I would do. What would you do? Would we have done as Juan Diego did or would we do what was 'advised' in Monty Python's Holy Grail movie? Would we just run away?

I think I would certainly draw strength and courage from the words, "Am I not here, thy Mother?".

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.