Mary : From Nazareth to Queenship

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season:  Twentieth Week :  Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:26-38*

*First Reading :  Is 9:1-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8*

*Queenship of Mary*

*Mary : From Nazareth to Queenship*

*1) Nazareth: The Hidden Beginning*

Mary’s journey begins in the humble town of Nazareth, an insignificant village in the eyes of the world. 

She lives a quiet, faithful life—likely unknown, unnoticed, and without grandeur.

God often begins great things in hidden places. 

Mary teaches us that holiness starts in the ordinary—in the kitchen, the home, daily prayer, and quiet obedience.

Nazareth is the place of preparation, where Mary's soul is formed in silence and prayer before the great mission is revealed.

*“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”* (John 1:46) — Yes, the Queen of Heaven.

*2) The Annunciation: The Turning Point*

Mary's journey shifts dramatically when the Angel Gabriel appears. 

Her *Fiat* is not only a *Yes* to motherhood but a yes to the mystery of God’s plan, filled with uncertainty and pain.

This moment is the heart of discipleship. Mary becomes the first and perfect disciple, trusting God's will above her own.

She doesn’t have all the answers—but she gives all of herself.

*"Let it be done to me according to your word."* (Luke 1:38)

*3) Bethlehem to Calvary: The Road of Suffering and Love*

Mary walks the path of love and suffering—from Bethlehem's joy to Calvary’s sorrow.

She gives birth in poverty, flees to Egypt, raises Jesus in obscurity, and watches Him suffer and die on the Cross.

She stands at the foot of the Cross—not as a Queen, but as a sorrowful mother, faithful to the very end.

Mary’s queenship is not built on comfort or worldly power, but on her unbreakable love and fidelity, even in the face of grief and mystery.

*“A sword shall pierce your soul”* (Luke 2:35) — and she still remains faithful.

*4) Pentecost and Beyond: The Hidden Power of Prayer*

After Jesus' Ascension,  we see Mary again—with the apostles at Pentecost, praying and waiting for the Holy Spirit.

She is the silent strength of the early Church, not seeking attention, but interceding and supporting the new mission.

Mary's journey includes leadership through presence, not position—a powerful witness of how God works through the lowly and faithful.

*5) Assumption and Queenship: The Crown of Faithfulness*

Mary is assumed body and soul into Heaven—a sign of what awaits all who follow Christ. 

She is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth, not as a reward for privilege, but for her total gift of self to God.

Her Queenship is a continuation of her motherhood: she intercedes, consoles, and guides souls to Christ.

Mary shows us that the road to heavenly glory is the road of humble service, radical faith, and quiet love.

*“He has lifted up the lowly”* (Luke 1:52) — and crowned her Queen.

*6) Final Word*

Mary's journey—from Nazareth to Queenship—is the blueprint for every Christian journey:

Start in humility

Say yes in faith

Endure with love

Rise with Christ

Reign through service

Her story encourages us to trust that no act of faith or love is wasted. 

If we walk the road she walked, we too can share in the joy she now knows.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*