*21st of August 2022*

*Monday in the 21st week in Ordinary Time, Year 11*

_(The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary)_

_2Thess. 1:1-5,11-12_

_Mtt. 23:13-22_

*Prayer is powerful beyond limits when we turn to the Immaculata who is Queen even to God's heart*(St. Maximilian Kolbe)

Today the Church celebrates the Queenship of Mary.Although it has its roots in the scriptures, it was instituted as a feast by Pope Pius XII at the end of the Marian Year in 1954. 

Don't get it twisted, the Queenship of Mary is Mary's share in the Kingship of Jesus who is the King of kings. Recall that at visitation of Mary to Elizabeth in the Scripture, Elizabeth who according to some theologians represent the Church greeted Mary with the title "The mother of My Lord." Let us not also forget that Jesus was closely associated with Mary in the mysteries of her life.

Today we celebrate a feast that summarizes and confirms what St. Paul said while writing to the Romans, "God predestined human beings to share in the image of his Son."(Rom. 8:28-30).

We have somewhat contrasting ideas in the two readings of today. While Paul in the first reading praised the Thessalonians for their strong faith, Jesus in the gospel chides the Pharisees for their hypocritical attitudes and lack of faith.

Dear friends, today we celebrate a woman of faith whom before she conceived Jesus in her womb, conceived him in her heart through her faith and total surrender. While Jesus says Woe to the Pharisees today, the angel Gabriel says to Mary "Blessed"

•Today, we celebrate a woman who has undone the disobedience of Eve by cooperating to God's choice through obedience.

•Today we celebrate a woman who is an instrument of God, who alone is the source. She is not the redeemer or Saviour but she mediates. Little wonder she is called Mediatrix of all graces.

•Finally, we celebrate a woman whose yes had a great effect on our lives. Remember, your yes or no has consequences on others.

*Mary queen of all Saints, pray for us*

(Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe)