Mary
"occupies a place in the Church which is the highest after Christ and also
closest to us" (Lumen gentium, n. 54).
The highest place:
we must discover this lofty position granted to Mary in the mystery of
salvation. However, it is a question of a vocation totally in relationship to
Christ.
The
place closest to us: our life is profoundly influenced
by Mary's example and intercession. Nonetheless we must ask ourselves about our
effort to be close to her. The entire teaching of salvation history invites us
to look to the Virgin. Christian asceticism in every age invites us to think of
her as a model of perfect adherence to the Lord's will. The chosen model of
holiness, Mary guides the steps of believers on their journey to heaven.
Through
her closeness to the events of our daily history, Mary sustains us in trials;
she encourages us in difficulty, always pointing out to us the goal of eternal
salvation. Thus her role as Mother is seen ever more clearly: Mother of her Son
Jesus, tender and vigilant Mother to each one of us, to whom, from the Cross,
the Redeemer entrusted her, that we might welcome her as children in faith.
-Blessed
John Paul II, General Audience for January 3, 1996
On this Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, let us remember these words of John Paul II. Let us also welcome the
Queen of Heaven and Earth into our lives, for she can show us the way to her
Son.
Mary, Our Light and Our Hope, Pray for Us.
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