Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 12, 2010
(also feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe)
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: Matt. 11:2-11. The coming of John the Baptist
MP3 Audio
Summary: Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego, a humble Indian who walked 14 miles to Mass. The Virgin revealed the true God to the people. She knew their sadness. We are all protected in her arms. She is depicted crushing the serpent, which is the devil, under her heel.
Saint Francis de Sales’ “little virtues” of gentleness, kindness, humility, and cheerful optimism shape the monastic life of the Visitation Sisters. Consider a life of prayer and teaching. Sisters of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary Washington, DC.
The devil appears to us as our friend. But Satan is the father of lies. He crawls into our homes, on TV, radio, movies, and newspapers. He sits behind each laptop and keyboard. Modern life says that money and pleasure will be our happiness. We must avoid the serpent”s poison of sin and flee into the arms of the Blessed Mother. She is our strength, our shield.