Reading from Isaiah Is 9:1-6
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, And the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, From David's throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains By judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!
REFLECTION:
“You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils.”
There is an old saying, life and death come in threes. Well, this year my family is expecting three new babies. A boy and a girl are due within a week of each other and the third, an unknown tie breaker, is due five months later. What expectant joy these new lives bring in doing the will of God.
The Queenship of Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated today. We can look to the ancient kings to understand the position of the queen mother. History reveals the role of our Mother Mary in the Church. In Old Testament times, a king’s mother held the position of queen, not their wives. King Solomon gave his mother, Queen Bathsheba, a throne at his right hand, a position of authority. She was an advocate and intercessor for the people ruled by Solomon. The king was also known to refuse his mother nothing. “Ask it, my mother,” the king said to her, “for I will not refuse you.” 1 Kings 2:20.
The king of our faith, Jesus, was welcomed into this world as an infant with “abundant joy and great rejoicing”. Mother Mary’s “yes” during the annunciation made her the vessel to lift life’s burden and smash the taskmaster’s rod. Her willingness and total devotion to God initiated the release of the terrible hold sin had on mankind. She was an advocate from the beginning in doing the will of God.
May we humbly run to our mother for her intercession and thank our Lord for giving us such a powerful queen.
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