Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of the Queenship of Mary (22nd August, 2016) on the Gospel and the
Memorial
2Thess 1:1-5.11-12;
Ps 95:1-5. (R. v.3); Matt 23:13-22.
Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But Mary’s
queenship has roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that
Mary’s Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. At the
Visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary “mother of my Lord.” As in all the mysteries
of Mary’s life, Mary is closely associated with Jesus: Her queenship is a share
in Jesus’ kingship. We can also recall that in the Old Testament the mother of
the king has great influence in court. The feast is a logical follow-up to the
Assumption and is now celebrated on the octave day of that feast. In his 1954
encyclical To the Queen of Heaven, Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the
title because she is Mother of God, because she is closely associated as the
New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection and
because of her intercessory power.[1]
Topic: Woe to you....
Today’s gospel is a continuation of last Saturday’s gospel in
which Jesus urged His listeners to do and to follow what the scribes and the
Pharisees taught because they occupied Moses’ seat. He also warned them against
following their example because they did not practice what they taught.
In today’s gospel, Jesus summarized them by naming them hypocrites.
He denounced them and also proclaimed woes on them. Their sins include locking
people out of the kingdom of heaven, suffering so much to make a convert only
to make him/her worse child of hell than themselves, and also feeding the
people with false teachings.
Ensure that no one is prevented from following God through your
actions, words, and omissions. We celebrate the queenship of the Blessed Virgin
Mary because of her role in our salvation history. Every person can be a good channel
for the salvation of others. Saint John warns, “Look to yourselves, that you
may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward” (2Jn 1:8). There will be woes to anyone who fails to be a channel of salvation to others.
Bible Reading: 2Jn 7-11.
Thought for today: You are a channel of salvation.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to be your sincere children
– Amen.
Mary Queen and Mother – Pray for us.
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