Homily: August 22, 2023, Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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 "But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first." 

Are we people who aim to be first in all matters?

Be forewarned, because according to Jesus, those who are powerful in the eyes of this world will be considered least in the kingdom of heaven. But those who humble themselves here on earth will be great in the kingdom of heaven. 

Gideon is a perfect example. In today’s first reading, we hear how modestly humble was Gideon’s appraisal of himself, when he was called by God for mission, he said, “My family is the lowliest in Manasseh, and I am the most insignificant in my father's house.”

Yet, among all the Judges who ruled Israel for about 400 years, Gideon’s story is well-detailed and documented in sacred scripture. There were other Judges whose stories were hardly even mentioned in the scriptures like Gideon’s. I recommend all of you to read the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8, to learn more about Gideon.

God chose people like Gideon, who are humble, as his messengers and instruments, because pride leaves little room for God to work, prideful people are too full of themselves.

Another beautiful model of humility is the Blessed Virgin Mary. She who said to Angel Gabriel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.” Even as she was chosen to be the woman to bear the Son of God, the Messiah, she did not claim any credit nor status, but considered herself a servant of God.

And such a humble modest woman became the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven and Earth. She is the Queen of all angels and saints, and she is our Queen, our Mother.

Was it her intellect, or capabilities, or fearlessness that won her God’s favor?

Not at all. It was her humility and total obedience to God. Because she emptied herself before God, thus God’s power could work through her fully. Because she was full of grace, there was no room for pridefulness.

Let us learn from Mother Mary and Gideon, let us remove all pridefulness so as to become effective instruments of God.

Today we celebrate the Queenship of Mary, which is a celebration of God’s power working through humble souls like Mary. Let us call on Mary, our Queen, our Mother for her help and intercession, that we too may be humble and obedient.

Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us. Amen.



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