Queenship of Mary – Aug 22 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Aug 22, 2023, on how Mary is the Queen of heaven and the universe by her subordinate relationship to the King of Kings, her Son, in a similar way to the Queen Mother, the Gebirah in the Old Testament.

The Gospel of the Annunciation highlights Mary's Queenship, rooted in Israel's tradition where the Queen Mother held significant authority. Solomon's gesture of giving his mother a throne, as mentioned in [1 Kings 2:19 - Solomon honored his mother Bathsheba - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/2?19], established this tradition. The angel Gabriel's words to Mary, [Luke 1:31-33 - Mary will bear a son, Jesus, who will reign forever - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?31], confirm her as the eternal Queen Mother.

However, Mary's queenship isn't just due to her maternal role but also her virtue and grace. A ruler's virtue, especially prudence, is essential for guiding society towards its ultimate goal: heaven. The Church, as described by Jesus in [Luke 17:21 - The kingdom of God is within you - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/17?21], primarily provides means for salvation.

Mary, as Queen of Hearts, influences the hearts of men through grace. Her powerful intercession, akin to the Gebirah's role in [1 Kings 2 - Solomon's respect for his mother Bathsheba - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/2], ensures that God will not refuse her. By submitting to her rule and seeking her aid, we align ourselves with the kingdom of God, aiming for heavenly glory.

To fully embrace this, one can consecrate themselves to Our Lady, seek grace, and courageously embrace God's will. Generosity in God's service can lead to salvation for ourselves and others, ensuring eternal reign with Jesus and Mary in heaven.

00:00 - Introduction
00:13 - The Queen Mother in Israel
01:18 - Mary as Mother of the Messiah
02:10 - Mary's Virtue Makes Her Worthy
03:20 - Prudence Necessary for Rulers
04:18 - Mary's Excellence as Queen
05:21 - Mary's Queenship Over Hearts
06:31 - Benefitting from Mary's Intercession
07:54 - Submitting to Mary's Guidance
08:44 - Saving Souls as Co-Redemptrix

Ave Maria!

Mass: Queenship of Mary - Feast - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queenship_of_Mary
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/082223.cfm
1st: isa 9:1-6
Resp: psa 112:1-8
Gsp: luk 1:26-38

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=2273

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