Therefore, I will now allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. – Hosea 2:14
My favorite title of Mary is easily Our Lady of Guadalupe. The simplest reasons, for one, she is the Patroness of the unborn and second, of missionaries. But for another – and looking at this picture just gives me the kiligs – she reminds me of how Christ literally… Can live within us (Galatians 2:20).
I believe the highest dignity of a woman in the mission is one who places concern on being a receiver of love. She not only prays in moments, but converses at length. She is not only protective of her heart but also trusts it, because knows it is the dwelling-place of God (CCC: 2563). It the a place where she not only brings her questions, but re-commits faithfully despite not having her questions answered. It is the place she “withdraws to” (not just her mind) especially during the toughest, busiest and even loneliest times in mission.
To not dismiss it because it really can sometimes be a burden to feel. It is her duty to not over “do”, to be able to listen to the movements of her heart. Christ lives and speaks to her there.
Our “wilderness” as women in mission – There’s always so much to do, and we see every detail of it. But in allowing ourselves to simply “be” in God’s presence can we truly receive. Here are God’s gift to me in my prayer time this week. It is a reassurance of who I am (design), and re-direction to certain life purposes (beyond the definition of a FTPW, and indelibly true regardless what I’m doing):
- My design as a woman reveals that I was meant to bear life – To ensure that everyone around me is growing in relationship with God, and with one another is the main priority
- My design as a Christian reveals that I am to yield to love – I don’t surrender to the to-do list, but to the Great Commandment (Mark 12): to love God and to love others.
- My design as missionary reveals that I am to bring light – To those who know not of God’s glory and face (2 Cor 4:6). Glory and face specifically, because there are some that know of God, that serve in community for many years, but need to re-experience a surge of love, that flows in personally knowing Christ, in their current journey.
Quite simply… Lord, I offer my heart to you. May everything I am (not just what I do) radiate the light of your love. Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Life, please pray for us
