Every month of the year has as important event that makes that month special for us. We call it a “Feast” – a celebration of a happy occasion. The month of August always brings to mind the Assumption of our Blessed Virgin Mary on the 15th, and the Queenship of the B.V.M on the 22nd.
When pondering on the Queenship of Mary, I find that the reference to Mary in the Gospels is not very much. When she was called to be the Mother of God, she said “Let it be done to me…” in the simplicity of her prayer room – no pomp and grandeur. Her YES was the result of her prayerful upbringing and study of the scriptures, is what comes to me.
My thoughts turn to the night Jesus was arrested. Someone, and I wonder who, rushed to inform Mary about the arrest. Was it in the middle of the night or early hours of the morning? There is no mention in the gospels. We know that she was on the road to Calvary. When she reached Jesus, their eyes met. Both understood that what was happening was the result of the YES they had both said to God’s plan for our salvation. This YES was not made on the spur of the moment. I believe, it was the outcome of much prayer and contemplation of the Scriptures – God’s Word – in the company of Sts. Joseph, Joaquim, Anne, Elizabeth, Zechariah and John (the Baptist), for many years – upto the age of 30.
Mary accompanied Jesus with a firmness and strength that comes from acceptance and surrender to God’s will. Simeon had predicted that a sword would pierce Mary’s heart. But as she walked with Jesus to Calvary many swords pierced her heart, as she saw Jesus carrying a heavy cross, fall again and again, being flogged, kicked, abused and even ridiculed. Never did she faint, rest, get hysterical or beg the Roman soldiers and people to stop.
Something no mother should ever see, is her son being put to death by being laid on a cross and have a big nail hammered into on hand causing him to curl in pain. Then see the other hand being pulled back, stretched and nailed. Finally the feet being pulled down and nailed mercilessly and to listen to the screams and harsh sound of hammering. Mary literally stood by the cross till the body of Jesus was laid in her arms.
From the Annunciation to the foot of the cross, Mary said YES to every single moment. Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth – richly deserves this queenship bestowed on her.
May our beloved Mother be Queen of your homes and your hearts.
J. Rodrigues.