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Thursday, August 22, 2002

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Queenship of Mary


Ezekiel 36:23-28
Psalm 51
Matthew 22:1-14

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clothes hoarse

"How is it you came in here not properly dressed?" —Matthew 22:12

According to Jesus, it's quite possible that people who are attentive to their clothing here on earth can be totally unaware of their need to dress up for eternity. These folks are constantly asking questions like "What are we to wear?" (Mt 6:31) They worry about what they will "use for clothing" (Mt 6:25), and are quite concerned about their clothes (Mt 6:28). Ironically, they won't give a thought to what to wear to the heavenly banquet.

The irony is that our efforts to be well-dressed are ineffective; God Himself provides (Mt 6:30) the clothing we will need to enter the heavenly kingdom. In preparation for the banquet, He washes us (Ez 36:25) clean with the waters of Baptism. He cleanses us from the stain of sin (Ez 36:25) which would keep us away from the banquet. God then gives us a new, natural heart, that is, the new nature required to belong to the heavenly family (Ez 36:26). He adds the final touch by clothing us with a new Spirit (Ez 36:27). God gives us everything we need to prepare us for eternity. The only thing we need say is "Yes."

Sadly, those who have a lot to say about clothes on earth will have "nothing to say" (Mt 22:12) when they aren't properly dressed for eternity. The "clothes horse" on earth who neglected their heavenly clothes will sadly spend eternity wailing themselves hoarse (Mt 22:13).

Prayer:  Father, I will put on Jesus Christ (Rm 13:14), now and forever.

Promise:  "I will put My Spirit within you and make you live by My statutes, careful to observe My decrees." —Ez 36:27

Praise:  Mary, a lowly teenage girl, was raised to high places (Lk 1:52) as Queen of heaven and earth. Praise be to God Who rewards His beloved for their service to Him!

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by one of our editors.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002