22 August, 2023 | Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 Gospel Lk 1:26-38

How much do you know of Mary?

Gospel Text:

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.

Reflections: 

Today we celebrate the memorial of the Queenship of Mary. Pope Pius XII instituted it  with his encyclical letter, Ad Caeli Reginam (The Queen of Heaven). As Queen, Mother Mary not only intercedes on our behalf, she also acts as her Son’s Mediator. As we honour the Queen of Heaven today, ponder the Church’s ever-deepening understanding of her role. We  express our love and devotion and put our trust in her powerful intercession.

Activity: 

Pray through the intercession of Mary for someone in difficulties.