Do you thank Mother Mary for her intercession and help or do you turn to her only when you need something? - Daily Reflections August 22,2015

MARY – QUEEN AND MOTHER

 

A week ago we celebrated the fourth glorious mystery of the Holy Rosary. Today we commemorate the fifth mystery, which is the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

       When I visited Nazareth, I went to an excavation of ancient Nazareth where a house from the first century was reconstructed. I came to know that in Jesus’ time, Nazareth had no more than 300 to 350 inhabitants who lived in caves with a roof in front under which the family ate their meals. What a primitive, simple way the Holy Family lived! In such a cave, Mary cooked their meals and cleaned the floor — nothing royal at all!

       Some ancient hymns address Mary as Queen, and the Second Vatican Council declares, “The Immaculate Virgin… was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory when her earthly life was over, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, that she might be more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death” (Lumen Gentium no. 59).

       The idea of royalty might not touch us the way it touched Christians centuries ago when kings and queens lived in splendor and luxury. The few kings and queens still existing in some countries are just figureheads without power. And so we prefer the title “Mother” for Mary than “Queen.” Even when we speak of her queenship, it should be understood not in the sense of royal authority and dominion but in the sense of maternal care and service.

       After all, one of the first words of Mary recorded in the Bible is, “I am the handmaid of the Lord.” Throughout her life, she never took the center stage but served her Son and her husband Joseph with love and humility.

       And that she continues to do until now. We have experienced her maternal love, intercession and help in our lives. Let us take this feast day as another occasion to thank our heavenly Mother and entrust ourselves once more to her. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you thank Mother Mary for her intercession and help or do you turn to her only when you need something?

 

Lord, once more I thank You for giving us Mary as our loving Mother. As she cared for You, she cares for the Church and for us. May I be able to imitate her humility and service in my life.