Homily: St. Juan Diego
St. Juan Diego “Believe it or Not”
Apparitions are an interesting part of the Catholic faith. People have said that various saints and angels have appeared to them over the centuries. Some apparitions are recognized by the church as being authentic. Others are not. With some, the church withholds an opinion.
The church has some guidelines as to how we are supposed to view apparitions. When Mary or one of the saints appears to a visionary the message or orders the person experiencing the apparition receives are only binding on them. Other people are free to believe or not believe what is said to have happened.
Another important point when considering apparitions is whether the vision somehow is not consistent with Catholic teaching. If Mary or a saint orders all people to quit eating fish on Thursdays, church authorities would probably say that the vision was not authentic. Abstinence from fish on Thursday has never been Catholic teaching. If a visionary tries to push offbeat religious practices claiming authority from above the church would quickly say that the teaching cannot be trusted.
In 1534 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego at Tepeyac in Mexico. The vision that Juan Diego received is considered genuine. Juan Diego was told by the Virgin that a church was to be built where she met him. The local bishop was skeptical, but then Juan Diego picked some roses that Mary pointed to. He gathered them in his cloak and took them to the bishop. When he poured the roses out there was an image of the virgin Mary.
No one could ever explain the origins of the image. Scientists have studied it. It does not seem to be painted on. The eyes of the Virgin seem to reflect the image of Juan Diego as if she is looking at him.
Juan Diego’s vision did not push a certain doctrine. The result was that the Native Americans came to believe in the Christian message. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a reassuring sign to the world.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I base my faith on apparitions that I have heard about? What might be the problem if I did?
- Is a vision or a miracle a way to enhance what we believe as Catholics? What Marian apparition impresses me?
Dear Parishioners,
The cookie walk is coming this weekend. This has always been a great social event for our parish. Cookies can be brought to Culemans Hall on Friday and then the sale will take place on Saturday morning. Perhaps the return of the cookie walk can be a hopeful sign for our parish.
Unfortunately, we must still be careful. I was called to the hospital today to anoint another person who has Covid and was on a ventilator. The man in question was in good health until last Thursday.
The cookie walk will be a drive through affair this year. We invite you to come and walk through and leave. Masks will be required. This all should be relatively safe.
I thank the social committee for coordinating this wonderful event.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints bless you.
Fr. Mark