Today is the feast of the Queenship of Mary.  For those of you who might feel uncomfortable with this title please remember that in royal terms a queen-mother never trumps the authority of her son, the king.  Translated, Jesus is King and Lord.  We believe that Mary simply sits in a place of honor because Jesus would wish that so.

In the days of old out of profound respect, deference, and fear of the power and might of the king, someone petitioning the king for say, his life might turn to the queen-mother for help in softening the king’s heart.  Think about it.  If you committed some infraction that deserved a judgment of death would you look directly at the king and say, “Hey buddy, how about giving me a break?  I didn’t mean it.”  Not likely.  You are more likely to avert your eyes and say, “Have mercy on me most powerful king.”  Should he still command your life be taken you are likely to turn to the queen-mother and beg, “Please turn his heart!”

When we have a request of God do we go directly to Jesus as Good Shepherd, gate, and benevolent Savior?  Of course!  But we also honor Jesus with holy fear and awe as King, Lord, and just Judge.  In that light, an equally correct way of viewing things, it might be natural to seek out Mary to intercede on our behalf.  Consider the difference between these sets of words. To Jesus:  “Have mercy on us Lord for we have sinned against you,” or “We adore You.  We worship You.  We give You thanks for Your great glory.  Hosanna in the highest!”   By contrast here are words to Mary, queen-mother:  “Holy Mary, mother of God pray for us.”   These are very different words expressing two very different things.

Pray for us Mary queen-mother, that we may stay the course in following your Son in spite of any emotional, physical, or mental pain we have to endure and, happy feast day!

Viva Christo Rey!   Long live Christ, the King!

Coronation of Mary by RGhirlandaio, public domain due to author’s death over 100 yrs ago.  Wikimedia Commons.