Last night, driving home after our early sunset, there was a noticeable warmth in the homes decorated with lit trees and lights in the windows, piercing the wintry darkness and reminding us of the light of Christ.
In a way, these Christmas lights can help us to gain a deeper understanding of how people found solace in the words, “Comfort, give comfort to my people.” Isaiah’s words convey God’s merciful approach to us, reminding us of a shepherd who gathers the weary and lost, carrying those who cannot walk on their own, and leveling the rugged paths of our lives.
The Good Shepherd
We’ve just heard in today’s gospel how Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep and rejoices when it is found!
This parable puts on full display God’s relentless love, choosing the overlooked, for example, the shepherds in the fields, the humble in heart…who were the first to hear of the Savior’s birth.
The Example of Juan Diego
This same Good Shepherd, Jesus’ gaze reached across centuries to a humble man in Mexico, named Juan Diego. In 1531, amid the turmoil of conquest and cultural upheaval, Mary appeared to Juan Diego on Tepeyac hill, calling him “my most beloved little child Juanito.”
Like the lost sheep, Juan was simple, poor, and seemingly insignificant—overlooked by the powerful.
Mary, the tender Mother, sought him out, just as God seeks us when we drift or are uncertain. She sent him to the bishop with her plea for a chapel, but doubt and dismissal met him, much like the despair of those in the desert in our first reading from Isaiah.
Turning to Mary
Undeterred, Juan persevered, his heart open like the watchful shepherds. When he faltered, Mary comforted him, saying, "Am I not here, I who am your Mother?"
Then, through his faith, strengthened by the miraculous, the Castilian roses that bloomed in winter and were carried by Juan Diego to the bishop… Advent's hope was made visible, and millions found their way back to Christ. Juan Diego, embodying evangelical poverty and simple faith, became a living sign of the Gospel, welcoming the Good Shepherd to his people.
Seeking the Lost
In our own lives, at times, we may feel like Juan Diego or that stray sheep—perhaps burdened by isolation, rejection, or the busyness of daily life. Yet Advent whispers: God seeks you personally. If you take a few minutes in quiet, can you recall a time when a small act of kindness, like Our Blessed Mother’s gentle nudge, drew you home, to God and your family—perhaps a family member or friend's call during a tough time… or ducking into a chapel or your bedroom in quiet and consoling prayer.
This Advent and especially today, let St. Juan Diego’s story inspire us: to persevere in humility, trust in the Blessed Mother’s comfort, and to seek the lost around us. Let’s reach out to a family member who is like that lost sheep, or volunteer to help someone in need, or pray the Rosary for those adrift. As you light your Advent candle or Christmas lights this week, imagine Mary's mantle over your path. And, as we journey to Bethlehem, may St. Juan Diego's witness strengthen us to believe more deeply in Our loving Shepherd.
Merciful God, like Mary with Juan Diego, seek and comfort us. Draw the lost into your fold and lead us with our families joyfully to your Son this day and every day. Amen.
- Today’s Readings
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join, too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
