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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider The handmaid of the Lord

The handmaid of the Lord

Published Aug 21, 2023 05:33 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

Today’s feast of the Queenship of Mary is celebrated on the octave of the feast of the Assumption and a logical consequence of it. Pope Pius XII who established the feast in 1954 points out that Mary deserves the title because of her close association with Jesus’ redemptive work and because of her intercessory power. Her queenship is a share in Jesus’ kingship. A king’s mother has a great influence in the royal court. 


Mary’s queenship can be inferred from the Scripture. At the annunciation, Gabriel announced that Jesus would receive the throne of David and rule forever (Lk 1:26-33). At the visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary “the mother of my Lord” (Lk 1:43). Yet, unlike earthly queens, Mary’s prominence is not derived from power, glamor, or wealth but from her humility and obedience to God’s will (Lk 1:42; 11:27-28). She did not take it to her head to be chosen the Mother of God but delighted in being “the handmaid of the Lord” (Lk 1:38). Mary’s crown was not of diamonds and gold, but a crown of martyrdom which she gained from the suffering she bore as she united herself with the redemptive passion of her Son, Jesus (Lk 2:34-35; Jn 19:25-27).

First Reading • Is 9:1-6 
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. 


For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father- Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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