Preparation for the feast of the Queenship of Our Lady: Day Four

Ave Maria!

Reflection.

Let us soar up, on the wings of faith, to that immortal country where “God himself is the infinite reward” of the elect, and gives to each one according to his merit; what shall we there see? The thrones of pontiffs, those of martyrs, those of apostles, those of prophets, those of patriarchs; and our eyes will con- template with rapture so much grandeur and glory. But there in vain shall we seek for Mary. Let us ascend still higher; here are the choirs of angels : the Cherubim and Seraphim, all those “thousands of thousands of pure spirits, which shine resplendent before the “Holy of Holies,” like unquenchable suns ; is it there that the Virgin by pre-eminence enjoys beatitude? No, no: higher yet, above the angels and archangels, close to the adorable throne of the Man-God risen from the dead, another throne will strike our bewildered senses, another throne, less elevated indeed than that of Jesus, but higher than those of all the other inhabitants of heaven ; and on this throne, a daughter of Eve clothed with glory less dazzling than that of Jesus, but richer and more splendid than even that of the highest angels of the celestial hierarchy: it is the most holy Virgin Mary, it is the greatest work of the Creator, it is the Queen of all the Angels.

“Hail, Queen of angels! Hail Sovereign of angels!” What is there, next to God, greater than you, who received into your womb Infinite Majesty, and to whom that Majesty condescended to submit. “Miracles on either side!” says St. Bernard, most justly; “in the Son, a miracle of humility; in the Mother, a miracle of elevation and greatness!” O from the height of your sublime throne, do not forget your servants upon earth ; look down rather upon them with sweet complacency and benevolent love, as upon unfortunate brethren and children. Deign to assist us, and support us continually in the way of salvation, till our departure out of this world of trial; vouchsafe afterwards to obtain for us to be visited and consoled by our good angels, if the divine justice should condemn us to the temporary fire of expiation, and obtain that we may soon be conducted to heaven.

Prayer.

I adore you deeply o Holy Trinity for having made Mary cooperator in the work of Redemption.

My Mother Corredemptrix, make me a sharer in your immense pain. Help me to accept with patience the little crosses of each day since only in pain is there true joy and true glory.

Hail Mary...

Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Universe, pray for us!