Today is this feast day of St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, who at 57 years old was visited by Our Lady of Guadalupe. He was of the peasant class in the Aztec empire so when he told the virgin he was the lowest of low he was technically correct as well as humble. He was married without children and his wife preceded him in death. His name means, “One who talks like an eagle.”

For the ancient Aztecs the eagle was associated with the dawning sun and considered a magnificent celestial power, able to shine light into our world. Eagle warriors, a class of soldiers open to peasants, were in a perpetual state of war. Their job was to conquer and gather prisoners to sacrifice to the gods. Think a minute how that eagle symbol and purpose was transformed when Our Lady of Guadalupe visited Juan Diego, her herald. Thousands converted to the one true God and accepted the one sacrifice of the Son of God.

When we feel shaky in our faith or doubtful because of our circumstances or health think of the “one who talks like an eagle.” Strength, fearlessness, and inner freedom are ours to have and to share as it was for the Indian Saint. We only need to follow St. Juan Diego’s example and tap into the source, the Son of God.

Below are three links I read as I reflected on St. Juan Diego’s life. May it be an inspiration for you, as it was for me.

http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20020731_juan-diego_en.html

http://www.sancta.org/juandiego.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_warrior

Picture is Posada Guadalupe, public domain, Wikimedia commons.