The Eagle that Talks - St. Juan Diego

This morning when I entered the chapel, I noticed that the flowers near our Lady were drooping.  That just wouldn't do for the memorial of Saint Juan Diego! I slipped on some sandals, went outside, and across the frosty grass. On this December morning the roses are radiant. Only in Southern California, but it gave me great pleasure to be able to present one each of red, pink, yellow, orange, and white roses to Our Little Mother.  In turn, my mind moved to thoughts of Juan Diego.




First, while still in my bed this morning, I thought of his name in the English language: "John David."  It is a marvelous combination of the young beloved and the old king! This, however, is a side note.

My real point of musing was upon what his name meant in his native tongue: "The Eagle who Talks."  Again, we find St. John the beloved whose symbol is the Eagle, and David who is best known for his Psalms.  But, what would his parents have been thinking about his name? Who was this "Cuauhtlatoatzin?" The Eagle was a sign of strength and authority. If the Eagle speaks, it speaks with authority.  Quite marvelous when one considers the little "nobody" approaching the bishop. He spoke with the authority of the Mother of God, that is, by Divine commission.  


And still, my mind wanders.  For what do I think of a talking Eagle? In all seriousness, I consider the majestic bird high against the sun, a speck compared to its grandeur, whose call then echoes down upon the earth, through canyons, and across wastelands. Its voice so far, and yet so near, beckons me to look up toward the sky to marvel at the little creature and the blinding power of the sun.  


Such powerful imagery leaves much to be desired in our names. But then again, I've never really investigated the meaning of "Jillian."  Maybe it is about time I did....


St. Juan Diego - Pray for us!