Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lectionary: 420

Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you
that you who have followed me, in the new age,
when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory,
will yourselves sit on twelve thrones,
judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Not many Christians openly aspire to sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel or any other nation. We certainly judge a lot, but are embarrassed when we're caught doing it. It's kind of an open secret. 

But anyone who has glanced through the Book of Judges knows that the biblical word is not about sitting at a raised desk listening to plaintiffs and lawyers. Biblical judges set things right. And that's because anything wrong is sin, whether it's a natural catastrophe like a plague or drought, or a nation and culture which forgets its God and follows its own primitive instincts. 

When the disciples of Jesus announce the Gospel of his life, passion, death, and resurrection they begin the process of setting things right. Their announcements may be quiet, like a cup of cold water for a thirsty soul, a visit to the sick or imprisoned, or clothing the naked. They may be first responders rushing to a stricken area following a storm, or second-responders arriving with long term loans and spiritual counsel for the traumatized. Biblical judges come to serve and not to be served. 

When we celebrate Mary, the Queen of Heaven and Earth, we thank God that he has given such a mother to us. Just as Jesus the King of the Universe fulfills his messiahship by healing the sick, raising the dead, and reconciling us with our enemies, Mary offers eternal intercession for us. 

Jesus insisted that his great ones among us do not burden a long suffering church with their sinful demands and tiresome needs. Rather they turn our attention downward and away from the powerful who jealously guard their prerogatives. 

Mary's crown is a cotton kerchief, not a tin tiara.