MEMORIAL OF THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 21ST WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Homily for Monday of the 21st week in the Ordinary Time.
In the first reading of today, St. Paul brings the greetings of Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ upon the people of Thessalonica, appreciating them most kindly for their Christian maturity visible in the abundant growth of their Faith and the increase in love they have for one another (2Thess 1: 2-3). The people of Thessalonica held tenaciously to the rudiments of Christianity which is faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and the practice of Christian love. This brought about outstanding growth in the Christian community.
Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, the church in Thessalonica leaves us an example to follow: that the practice of Christian love is the surest way to manifest our faith in Christ Jesus. The church is measured not by the numerical strength of the people but by the amount of Christian love that grows among God's people.
In the Gospel reading of today, Jesus chastises the Scribes and the Pharisees for their life of pretence. In his expression of grief or lamentation towards the scribes and Pharisees, he warns them of the impending danger, using the terms 'hypocrites' (Pretender) and 'woe to you which means ' how unfortunate you are. Contained in the Gospel reading of today are the first three of the seven woes Jesus pronounced upon the scribes and Pharisees.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock the people out of the kingdom of heaven and you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in you stop them (Mt 23:13). They became obstacles and barriers to the entrance into the kingdom of God.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you travel over sea and land to make a proselytise, only to make him twice as fit for hell as you are (Mt 23: 14). They lead people astray from the right doctrines.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you who say swearing by the temple has no force but if one swears by the gold of the temple he is bound (Mt 23:14). They promote material affairs over substantial spiritual matters. Thereby, relegating the speech about God to the background.
Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, we must not be hypocrites: those who put up external shows of themselves while inwardly their thoughts and feelings are different. Those whose religious observances are simply outward showing whereas their hearts are obstinate and bitter toward God and their neighbour. We must be honest and truthful people in our relations with God and our brothers and sisters. Every act of religion we exercise should effect an interior change and renewal in us.
Today we celebrate, the queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a celebration that flows from the universal kingship of our Lord Jesus. For just as Jesus is the king of the universe, so also is Mary the queen of heaven and earth. This, she received, based on the singular privilege of being the Mother of God (Theotokus). It is also a celebration that fruitfully crowns the co-operative works of the Blessed Virgin Mary with God's plan of salvation. This celebration flows from her Immaculate Conception through her Assumption into heaven which was celebrated recently.
Friends in Christ, today's celebration reminds us that we are not slaves but adopted Children, free-born sons and daughters of the kingdom of God, who have our Lord Jesus Christ as the king of the universe and the Blessed Virgin Mary as queen of heaven and earth. Consequently, we are invited to be ambassadors of the values of God's kingdom; as those who are created in God's image and likeness are to reflect the virtues and principles of the kingdom of God.
We pray as we begin this new day, that God through the intercession of Mary, the queen of heaven and earth, may continually bring peace upon our troubled world and the graces of God to live a virtuous and honest life as Christians. May God continue to bless and uphold you in your daily endeavours.
Have a wonderful day!
Fr Remi osj
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