Saint Juan Diego, a canonized hermit of the 16th century, stands as a herald for a feast to be celebrated on the 12th of December, Our Lady of Guadalupe. Certainly he stands as a model to many of a man with a mission. He was a man who would not give up nor give in to those who questioned his credibility.
Today's gospel presents a very brief description of a good shepherd, another man on a mission --- caring for a herd of sheep, especially for those who seem to find a way of separating from the herd. Some might say it is better to care for the larger number: losing just one isn't all that bad. That would seem to make sense until it would happen that anyone of us would experience a loved one turning away from the family or from the Church.
Jesus' question to the disciples about what is better to do if one of the sheep breaks away from the group. Should the shepherd "leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?" As a TV commentator is want to ask: "What say you?"
Commitment and conviction are two parts of the life of a true follower of Jesus. Commitment to a mission because of a conviction that the mission is worth living. In our times our faith is challenged by pressures in family and society that try to weaken our commitments and our conviction. Juan Diego was determined he would do all he could to fulfill the Blessed Mother's request that a church be built on Tepyac hill in Mexico. He was committed to bringing about that request.
Yesterday the Catholic Church celebrated the our national patroness feast day. Today, no doubt many will have forgotten what yesterday was. Many may not have heard what yesterday was. Might we not ask ourselves this question: Do we have the conviction that the intercession of Mary, under the title of the Immaculate Conception, can be of significance for our country, especially at this time in its history? If you have such a conviction, "what say you" about your commitment to bringing that conviction to be a stronger reality in our Church during these days?
