Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Friday of the 20th week in ordinary time, August 22, 2025, Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Delivered by Joanna from the Parish of Saint Gabriel in the Diocese of Bandung, Indonesia. Ruth 1: 1.3-6.14b-16.22; Rs psalm 146: 5-6.7.8-9a.9bc-10; Matthew 22: 34-40. TOWARD THE TRHONE OF THE KINGDOM Our meditation today is entitled:Toward the Throne of the Kingdom. Today the whole Church celebrates thequeenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This memorial is one of our devotions tothe Blessed Mother. Part of these devotions is the prayer of the Holy Rosary,especially on the 5th glorious mystery which is: the crowning of ourLady as queen of heaven and earth. This title gives a very particular positionof Our Lady in the reign of Christ as king to rule over all in heaven and onearth. There is neither separation ordivision of power between Jesus and Mary nor among the number of parties whichis common in democratic politics. That power stands only in one King and it isin the hands of Jesus Christ, whose political power founded on God’s love.Mary, as the first blessed among men and women, takes part in the power of theKingship of Jesus, then followed by various segment of the believers facing thethrone of this Kingdom. Facing Him on the throne means giving our trust,obedience, respect and following the path that this kingdom has set for. All tribes of Israel always tried toprove their belief to follow the path of this kingdom with all the colors oftheir story of salvation. The leader of the Israeli army made a promise to God,after conquering their enemies, by sacrificing his own child. Doing this, Hemeant that the power of God remained victorious. Mary after being lifted up toheaven, her position remained unchanged, that is to be the queen of theapostles, angels, all the saints and the Church. She continues to guide ourjourney toward the throne of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. The apostles radically chose to followJesus, and they were convinced by Jesus to take parts of His kingdom which were inherited by the tribes of Israel.Each of them became bishop in every local Church entrusted to each, but theyall remain united with the Universal Church with one and universal leadership.The bishops are high priests in their local Churches, bringing and directingall God's people to face one majestic throne, where Jesus Christ is. The Popeoccupies the majestic throne in the world, so it is appropriate that we allfacing to the Pope who is in the Vatican. We face and make our journey to thekingdom through prayer that we pray every day: Your kingdom comes on earth asit is in heaven. The kingdom is made present for us to give us security andcomfort, then to rule us through the Holy Spirit in order that we can live intruth. We are sure to be part of this kingdom, it’s because Jesus alwaysinvolves us to take part in it. The kingdom is also like the feast thatinvloves all of us. Those who reject the invitation to take part are the oneswho ignore all the messages, words and wills that come from God. Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... O God, the almighty Father, may your kingdom truly govern and guideour lives from every day. Hail Mary full of grace ... In the name of the Father...