Election Triduum Part 3

It's the eve of the national and local elections in our country! Yesterday, we reflected upon the Joyful Mysteries with the Lord's Nativity as focus for reflection. Today, we offer the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary for this event. I'd like us all to recall the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

In the last mystery of the Rosary, we remember how God rewarded Mary, how she was raised to be Queen. A title so unique that no human being deserves, except her! The previous mysteries of the Rosary would give us a clue why she became worthy of such. When the Archangel Gabriel appeared to her to say that she is to become God's Mother, she humbly accepted the invitation. When she heard that Elizabeth her cousin was pregnant, she visited and looked after her in spite being pregnant herself. When she saw Jesus her Son being crucified, she humbly accepted this as part of God's plan. Mary has always been after God's will no more, no less!

Mary, whom we call as "full of grace", lived with a heart always attuned to God's own heart. And because of that she allowed God to direct her through thick and thin. Mary was able to share in His glory after spending a life dedicated to the Lord. Not only seeing Him face-to-face, but also having that place of honor in heaven. It has to be pointed out that Mary's queenship takes its roots from Jesus' kingship like the moon having the sun as its source of light. Our future leaders should also realize that their authority actually comes from the people who voted them. This power from the people has no other source but God Himself which is why we often hear the dictum "Vox populi, vox Dei".

We Filipinos hold Mary in high esteem. In fact, this month, devotees would flock to churches to offer flowers to her. Our history won't be complete without ever mentioning the devotion to her. The various titles of Mary like Our Lady of the Rosary "La Naval de Manila" and Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage attest to the role she played in the lives of our ancestors. She continues to do so till the present age. Recall EDSA Uno? How the people formed a human barricade against the tanks that Marcos sent to Camp Crame? The people were not carrying any arms except for the Rosary!

Mary reigns as our Queen. Not like any other queen who gives numerous decrees and orders, but a queen who serves, a queen whose only command is: "Do whatever he (Jesus) tells you." (John 2:5)

If we want God to take hold of our country, to direct it to its right path, let us follow our Queen's command. Let us imitate humbly subject ourselves to her reign, to Jesus' own reign. Let us profess this allegiance to Jesus and Mary when we cast out votes tomorrow and when we keep vigil during the whole election process.

Prayer:

Father, You have crowned Mary as Queen of heaven and earth. Through her maternal protection and intercession, reign over our country. Take hold of our elections. For only in You there is life and light, freedom and salvation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your kingdom come!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.