Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary-Homily for Tuesday of the 20th week in Ordinary time

Homily for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time. 

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Judges 6:11 - 24a. Psalm 85:9,11-12,13-14.

Matthew 19:23-30. 

In the first reading, we have the call of Gideon to liberate the people of Israel from the hands of the Midianites. This call was least expected by Gideon because his clan was the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh, and he was the least important member of his family (cf.Judg.6:15). For him to be convinced that it was God sending him on this mission, he requested a sign that God granted.

In today's Gospel, we have the continuation of yesterday's Gospel reading. Concerning the attitude of the rich man that left Jesus sad, Jesus said, "It is much harder for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle" (Matt.19:24). Is it that Jesus has something against being rich from this statement? Far from it. Jesus is never against being rich. The problem is when one becomes too attached to riches and does not let go, like the case of this rich man.

Jesus' disciples on hearing this were shocked because it was the belief that those who are close to God, He blessed them with the material good of the world, they asked, "Who, then, can be saved?" (Matt.19:25). Jesus answered, "This is impossible for man, but with God, everything is possible" (Matt.19:26).

Indeed, everything is possible with God. Hence, Gideon, who was least in all ramifications, was chosen by God to liberate the people of Israel from the Midianites. With God, a rich person can enter the kingdom of God, while a poor person without God will not enter the kingdom of God. 

We celebrate the queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary today. This concludes the celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was celebrated last week Tuesday. How right it was that before the Assumption, the glorious name of Mary should shine throughout the world and her fame be spread abroad before her greatness was raised above the heavens! Because of the honour due to her Son, it was fitting indeed that the Virgin Mother should first rule upon earth and, afterwards, be received into the heavenly sanctuary.

From the heights of heaven, she was visited by hosts of angels; on earth, she was honoured by the service of men. The angels rejoiced to see their queen, the apostles to see their mistress, and both served her with reverent, loving devotion.

She whom the angels and saints served with reverent, loving devotion deserve all the honour due to her. With the angels and the saints, every Christian in their right senses ought to honour her in fulfilling her words in the Magnificat, "From all generations shall call me blessed for He that his mighty has done great things for me" (Luke 2:48-49). The God who raised Gideon to liberate the people of Israel from Midianites will continue doing great things in our lives.

May God, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, raise us as instruments to bring glory to His holy name through Christ our Lord. Amen.