Our Lady of Guadalupe

As we say during this month, "'tis the season.'"  The story of Mary's special relationship to Tepeyac is what is so often her very essence:  giving.  Just imagine what a gift Mary gave to the people of Mexico through the dedication of St. Juan Diego, canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II and how it has impacted the faith life of the people of that nation and in many other places around the world.

William Barclay has the following attributed to his sensitive soul:  "Always give without remembering, always receive without forgetting."

Should you live your life with this kind of direction, you will discover an even more remarkable experience:  the more you give, the more you get ... so long as you do not give so you will get.  In our world today, there is the challenge to understand how much giving is in our lives or how little there might be during serious economic circumstances.  The highlighted words are those of High Point University (in High Point, NC) President Dr. Nido R. Qubein.  He is totally committed to the following thought and action in his words:  "It's all about your spirit.  I don't believe you should give until it hurts.  I believe you should give until it feels good." 

And looking for meaning in your life?  Listen again to Dr. Qubein:  "Many people looking for meaning in their lives find it by losing themselves in causes greater than they are."