Reflection
Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Isaiah 9:1(NABRE) speaks to a people who know darkness: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;” It is not a distant nor sentimental promise. It is the Word of God addressed to those who are living under the weight of oppression, fear and violence. The yoke will be broken; the oppressor’s rod will not have the last word.
Today, that darkness has many faces. We see it in migrants who live in fear of being detained or separated from their families; refugees forced to leave their homes; those who disappear leaving loved ones waiting for answers; people harassed because of their language, origin or identity; and in the minorities whose dignity is so often ignored. They are among the crucified of our time.
The heartbeat of a Passionist, the memoria passionis, does not allow us to look away. To remember the Passion of Jesus is to recognize his wounds in the wounded and his Cross in the crosses that our brothers and sisters bear.
When St. Luke introduces us to Mary in his gospel (1, 26 ff), she is not a queen surrounded by power, but a young woman who entrusts herself entirely to God:”May it be done to me according to your word” (v.38 NABRE). Her royalty is born of humility, courage and faithful love. Through her yes, the Prince of Peace enters our darkness.
Mary teaches us that faith cannot remain passive in the face of suffering. Her “yes” must become our yes: yes to compassion, yes to human dignity, yes to accompanying those who live in fear and have been forgotten.
Mary, Queen alongside of the Crucified Jesus, and Mother of Hope, teach us to remain with the crucified of today until all chains are broken and the light of God shines again in the midst of darkness.
