Reflection: The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Matthew 22:34-40

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Matthew 22:34-40

Today we commemorate the Queenship of Mary. Even though we celebrate this as a “feast,” neither of today’s readings is about Mary. The readings are from the regular cycle of readings.

The first reading is from the Book of Ezekiel. It is the story of the plain that was covered with dry bones. What a powerful image that is! Can you remember a time in your life when this image would have spoken to you? A time when you felt dry, empty, lifeless? What was happening in your life at that time? What were some of the emotions you experienced during those weeks or months? How did you cope?

We all have desert experiences at different times in our lives. Typically these experiences are neither comfortable nor pleasant. When we are in the desert, we need to be prepared. If we don’t have water and supplies, we will die! The same is true when we are in an “emotional desert.” We need support and care. We need someone to walk with us in this desert. We need to know that we are not alone. This often is a time when we need God the most!

It is interesting that in this reading, the process of the spirit returning to the bones did not happen all at one time. Rather, it was a process. First, the bones joined together, then skin, and so on. During these desert times, can we believe and trust that life will seep back into our souls and body? Most often it feels like this “desert” will never end! The reality is that at times we may be in the “desert” for a very long time. But the desert will come to an end! We just have to have faith and trust! May we remember the words of Ezekiel: “I will put my spirit in you that you may live! I have promised and I will do it!” In dry and empty times, let us cling to God’s promise!