FULL OF GRACE

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lk 1:26-38

Mary is queen not because she is the wife of Christ the King. Mary is queen because she is the mother of Christ the King. But it was not from Mary that Christ Jesus, her Son, received His kingship. Rather, it was because Christ Jesus is King that Mary is queen. Mary participates in the kingship of her son. Just as in all Marian feasts, the truth affirmed by today’s celebration is about Jesus more than about Mary. Jesus is Lord and Ruler of all creation. His kingship is not delegated to Him, but His from all eternity. Because His kingship is inherent in Him and not a delegated role, Jesus can make anyone He so desires to participate in His royalty. He desires Mary, His mother, to be queen. Thus, the queenship of Mary is at the service of Christ the King. Mariology is always a function of Christology. Because Mary’s queenship is a participation in the kingly ministry of her Son, Jesus, her queenship is far from lording over. Like the kingship of Jesus, it is a ministry, a role of service, a position taken by Jesus and symbolized by His washing of the feet of His disciples during the Last Supper. Mary’s queenship is not absolute power. Like the obedience of her Son, she submits her entire will to the holy will of the Father. It is a queenship that does not confine her far from the rest of humanity. According to the pattern of her Son, she remains in our midst and makes access to her always available to us. Mary is not only our queen; she is our mother, too. Mary is the most unlikely person to attribute queenship to her self. She calls her self “the maidservant of the Lord” instead. But those who regard themselves lowly are exalted by the Most High. Thus, the Almighty has done great things for her, and we join her proclaim, “Holy is His name!” The queenship of Mary is not about crown, scepter and throne. It is, as always, about Jesus. And the crown of Jesus is made of thorns, His scepter is a nail on each hand and foot, and His throne is the cross. What an absurdity! But graces are absurdities in life, don’t you think so? And Mary is full of grace.