She rules with the strength of love and mercy
Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 22, 2020): EZ 43:1-7; PS 85:9,10,11-12,13-14; MT 23:1-12
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Like her Son Jesus our King, Mary’s reign is not at all like that of so many of those on earth with great power and position.
On this Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary we celebrate her as Queen of heaven and earth. Around the same time as she was proclaimed Mother of God at the council of Ephesus in 431 A.D., people also referred to her as Queen. However, the Church did not officially call her that or designate a feast until the 20th century. Because Mary is so closely linked to her Son, Christ the King and the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, the faithful have revered her with this beautiful designation. Through prayer, hymns and sacred art, she has been recognized as with this royal title over the centuries. Indeed, her coronation is commemorated in the last of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.
Like her Son Jesus our King, Mary’s reign is not at all like that of so many of those on earth with great power and position. In today’s Gospel, we are reminded, “You have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be you servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:10-12). The Blessed Virgin is our Mother and Queen, but she rules with the strength of love and mercy and seeks only to serve God and care for His children. Let us approach her with trust and gratitude, knowing that our welfare and salvation is her joy. With all her heart, she longs to guide us right now and, ultimately, to welcome each of us to the eternal Kingdom of God.
