I just can't get something out of my mind: the part we read a few days ago about Rachel stealing her families gods. I have read that before, but it has a new meaning for me now. During this time of year, thousands of Mexicans walk from all over the country to a small town just north of my city. They carry their idols with them in wooden boxes. On Tuesday, I watched a group of them parade around carrying their idols. This group is from Mexico City and had been walking for 15 days! And, they have not reached their final destination yet. My heart is more burdened than ever for the lostness in this city and around the world. Idolatry is alive and well. It is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord. Our Lord alone deserves the praise and devotion that is being spent on idols who cannot hear, see, or speak.
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Jana,
ReplyDeleteAre these people also carrying a crucifix with them as they are carrying their idols or did they happen to walk past one? It's so interesting that they would be carrying idols and walk right past a replica of Jesus hanging on the cross.
They are actually carrying the cross along with the idols of the Virgin of San Juan de Lagos. She is a dark-skinned Virgin that is know for health and healing powers. She is the second most popular virgin of Mexico, after Guadalupe. This is the Mexican variety of Catholicism. They would not call these statues idols.But, they are idols.
ReplyDeleteWe went over and talked to a few of them after the parade was over. We asked, "Which is more important, Jesus or Mary?" They hesitated and finally answered Jesus. But, they were quick to add that Mary was the mother and Jesus wouldn't exist without her. We also asked if the Virgin of San Juan and Virgin of Guadalupe are the same and they said absolutely not. Then we asked is the virgin of San Juan, "Mary" and they said yes. It was an insightful conversation. I have studied some of these things, but it is very different when you see it in person and hear someone try to explain it from their worldview. It was also a very sad conversation.