Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Ezekiel 376:23-28; Matthew 22:1-14)
In the Our Father we pray that God’s name will be made
holy. In today’s first reading the
prophet Ezekiel explains how God achieves this holiness. He says that God will reform those who have
profaned it. He will take His people from
the many nations to which they have been scattered. He will cleanse them with the water of his
word and retool them with new hearts.
Most importantly, he will tune their new hearts with a spirit of goodwill. Then their mercy and justice signify His holiness.
God does not stand aloof and much less hold disdain for profaners
of His name. Rather He actively pursues
their true welfare. In imitation of Him
saints like Mother Teresa of Kolkata are seen as holy not for their contemplation
although they prayed deeply and often. They
will reflect God’s holiness by their consistent care of others.
On this memorial of the Queenship of Mary we pray for the
grace to practice God’s holiness. May
Mary’s prayers move the Spirit within us to address the needs of brothers and
sisters.
