REFLECTIONS TODAY
The feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1954, honors Mary not only as the Mother of God but also as our Queen, reigning with Christ in glory. This feast draws inspiration from Scriptures. The book of Revelation speaks of “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (12:1). This image fittingly illustrates Mary, the mother of the Messiah, now gloriously crowned in heaven. In his Letter to the Romans, Paul writes about God’s purpose and predestination, reminding us of Mary’s unique role in salvation history (8:28-30). The Gospel, in turn, points not to a grand lady, but to a humble handmaid of the Lord who obeys his bidding. But because the Lord looks upon her lowliness, people of all ages will call her blessed (Lk 1:48).
Mary’s queenship, as all her other states and privileges, is intimately associated with Jesus. As Jesus’ kingship is marked by his being the Good Shepherd, Mary’s queenship is characterized by maternal care that embraces all her children, especially those in need. She is our advocate, our sweetness, and our hope. She listens to our prayers, comforts us in our sorrows, and leads us to her Son. Just as she interceded for the bride and groom at the wedding feast in Cana, she is present in our lives, interceding for us before her Son, Jesus.
First Reading • Is 9:1-6 [or Ez 43:1-7ab]
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!
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 113 [or 85]
“Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.” or “Alleluia.”
Gospel • Lk 1:26-38 [or Mt 23:1-12]
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
