The queenship of Mary another web of lies by the Papacy

Reading: Sermon I on the Dormition by St. John Damascene

The Memory of the Just

The memory of the just takes place with rejoicing, said Solomon, the wisest of men; for precious in God’s sight is the death of His saints, according to the royal David. If the memory of all the just is a subject of rejoicing, who will not offer praise to justice in its source, and holiness in its treasure-house?

The city of God is exalted beyond nature, giving shelter to the Word of God, and its praise is fitting for the Mother of God.

The Insufficiency of Praise

Neither human tongue nor angelic mind is able worthily to praise her through whom it is given to us to look clearly upon the Lord’s glory. Shall we be silent through fear of our insufficiency? Certainly not. Mingling fear with desire, let us show forth the first-fruits of our intelligence in gratitude to Our Lady.

Story of the Rustics and the King
A rustic offered water to a king when he had no gifts. The king praised the boy’s intention, rewarding him richly. Similarly, Our Lady accepts our devotion and good will, even if it is humble.

Mary as Mediator

Our Lady is the Mother of God, who alone is good and infinite. She receives us and makes our offerings abundant in reward. Prayer is necessary, and Mary’s intercession is essential.

The Incarnation and Salvation

Through Mary, the Word became flesh. He united human nature to divine greatness, becoming perfect man and perfect God simultaneously. By assuming human nature, Christ became the mediator, restoring humanity to God and raising us above all power and majesty. Mary, as Mother, is the instrument of these infinite benefits.

The Dormition of Mary

Blessed are those who see with spiritual eyes the wonders of her life and death. Countless angels acclaim her passing, and her soul is received by her Son. Scripture calls the souls of the just to God; Mary’s soul is especially cherished.

Let us not bury in silence her deeds and role in salvation, but honor her in praise and devotion.

1. The Parents of Mary and Their Virtues
Joachim and Anne were the parents of Mary. Joachim guarded his thoughts as a shepherd watches over his flock, keeping them entirely under his control. The Lord guided him like a sheep, and he lacked none of the true blessings. By “true blessings,” I do not mean what is commonly sought by the world—fleeting pleasures that neither endure nor strengthen the soul—but the virtues desired by those who possess knowledge, delight God, and bear eternal fruit. These virtues, cultivated through labor and perseverance, reward with eternal life.

Joachim devoted himself to contemplation of sacred Scripture, finding refreshment in divine grace, and walked in the path of justice. Anne, whose name means grace, shared his devotion. Though initially afflicted with sterility, this was a mystical trial, for men had strayed from goodness. Yet God’s mercy ended Anne’s barrenness, and she bore a child unlike any before or since, heralding the restoration of spiritual life in the world.

2. The Birth and Early Life of Mary
Thus, the Mother of our Lord was foretold. An angel announced her birth, marking her from the beginning as set apart. Mary was offered to God in the temple, where she lived in zeal and holiness, withdrawn from frivolous society. Upon reaching full age, she was entrusted to Joseph, a righteous guardian of her virginity. Mary devoted herself to her household duties, unaware of the greater destiny awaiting her.

3. The Annunciation
In the fullness of time, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, greeting her, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.” Troubled by the greeting, she pondered its meaning. Gabriel reassured her, saying she had found grace before God. Though she was to bear a Son, she questioned how this could happen, knowing no man. The angel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her, making her Son the Son of God. Mary humbly accepted, saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word.”

4. Mary’s Role in Salvation History
Mary’s conception and birth of Christ fulfill prophecies and prefigurations: the burning bush, Abraham’s tent, Jacob’s ladder, the ark of the covenant, and the manna—all point to her as the vessel of God’s incarnation. She unites heaven and earth, bringing forth Christ, the salvation of the world, bridging the divine and human. Prophets foretold her, angels and apostles ministered to her, and all generations call her blessed.

5. The Dormition and Assumption of Mary
In her death, Mary surpasses the natural order. Her body did not see corruption, and her soul was received by angels. Though she passed from earthly life, her light, grace, and blessings continue for the faithful. Heaven welcomed her with joy; her departure was a source of praise and sanctification. The apostles placed her body in the tomb, yet it was not left to decay but was preserved for translation to heaven.

6. Veneration of Mary
Mary remains the source of grace, a spiritual anchor, and a mediator who brings the faithful closer to God. Honoring her is honoring the Lord Himself. Her life, obedience, and blessedness are cause for joy, enriching all who dwell upon her holiness. This devotion is our thanksgiving, the first fruits of our spiritual offering to her.