A REFLECTION FOR ASCENSIONTIDE
This week’s bulletin hymn for Ascension begins with the words: “The head that once was crowned with thorns is crowned with glory now.” It reminds us that Christ, having completed his earthly mission of redemption, has now returned to his rightful place on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. Here, the crown of glory is replaced on his head. Why? Because he is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
This King has a Father, who is the Most High Omnipotent Creator of all. Let’s not forget that, as a human, he also has a mother, the most blessed Virgin Mary. Like earthly kings, whose mothers have the title of Queen, it is perfectly fitting that our Lady also should bear this title. And thus, immediately after her own Assumption into heaven, she received the royal crown of glory from the hands of her divine Son. This year, it so happens that the very day after we observe Christ’s Ascension into heaven, we immediately celebrate the Coronation of our Lady and Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Christ is King, and his Mother Mary is Queen. Together they form heaven’s Royal Family, and to them we owe our allegiance. We should remember the homage paid to earthly queens, and offer the same reverence to the Queen of Heaven, replacing our earthly worship with the special veneration of hyperdulia, given only to the Mother of God…. “I, N., do become your liege man of life and limb,and of earthly worship;and faith and truth I will bear unto you, to live and die, against all manner of folks. So help me God.”
Our democratic system here in the United States emphasizes the equality of men. However, this is not the way God made us, and it is one of the regrettable effects of democracy that we tend to lose our sense of respect for those placed in authority over us. To bow before a king or queen and offer them our reverent homage and allegiance is not only natural, but a part of the virtue of filial piety. We often fail to remember this when it comes to our political leaders, and of course it is all the more difficult when these leaders fail to recognize that noblesse oblige, that nobility or power comes with obligations towards those they govern.
When it comes to the Queen of heaven, however, we never have to fear that she will fail in her responsibilities towards us her willing, loving subjects. She is our protector, our guide and our Mother. “Hail, holy Queen!”
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