As we celebrate the Queenship of Mary, we reflect on what it truly means to call her Queen. Mary’s queenship is not about worldly power, but about her perfect obedience to God and her constant “yes” to His will.

This feast reminds us that by baptism, we too share in Christ’s kingship — a call to let Jesus truly reign in our lives and to allow His will to govern all that we do. Mary shows us how to cooperate fully with God’s grace, making her not only Queen in heaven, but also our model on earth.

Reflection Question: How can I, like Mary, say “yes” to God each day and allow His grace to shape my life?

Vows and promises are often taken lightly in our culture, but they hold profound weight. The story of Jephthah's vow, though tragic and perplexing, is a stark reminder of the seriousness of our commitments. While his vow may seem rash and misguided, the narrative underscores a key principle: a promise made to God must be kept. Are we truly living out the commitments we have made, or are we taking the grace of God for granted? Ultimately, our response to God's invitation requires not just a simple "yes" but a life lived in accordance with His will, fulfilling the responsibilities that come with His blessings.

Reflection Question: What are the responsibilities I am called to as I uphold my vows and commitments to the Lord and those around me?

We all long for justice, but life isn’t lived on an equal playing field. Some are born with more opportunities, talents, or resources than others. When we measure everything by “fairness,” we fall into envy, resentment, and frustration.

Jesus reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways.

Everything we have, our gifts, our circumstances, our opportunities, is a gift of God’s grace. He gives us what we need to live a full and meaningful life. Our happiness isn’t found in measuring ourselves against others, but in using what we’ve been given for the good of others. True justice is found when we seek the good of everyone.

Reflection Question: Where am I still comparing myself with others, and how is God inviting me instead to receive His grace and use my gifts for others?

No amount of good deeds, wealth, or human effort can secure salvation. It is purely God’s gift, received when we surrender self-reliance and place our trust fully in God's grace. True peace does not come from possessions or power, but from knowing that God is our ultimate security. It is only when we embrace our weakness and cling to God's strength that we can find genuine freedom and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Reflection Question: Where in my life am I still clinging to my own strength, possessions, or control; and how can I let God be my true security?

Moses’ 120 years — as prince, shepherd, and prophet — were full of unexpected turns. From Pharaoh’s palace to Midian’s pastures to leading a stubborn people through the desert, he kept saying “yes” to God. His life reminds us that God’s plan often looks nothing like ours. Whether we’re waiting in “cold storage” or facing the heat of mission, we can trust His timing, walk by faith, and lead with humility — ready to step aside when our mission is complete.

Reflection Question: When my plans are disrupted, how can I respond with the same faith and trust in God that Moses lived by?

Scripture reminds us that leadership is never exercised in a vacuum. Just as the faith of leaders can uplift the community, so too can the discouragement of the community weigh heavily on its leaders. From Moses and Aaron in the desert, to Peter struggling to grasp Jesus’ mission, we see how the faith of leaders and the community are deeply connected.

The journey of faith is not a solo mission. We are called to walk it together: strengthening one another. Let us reflect on how we can be a source of strength and support, especially to those called to lead us in faith.

Reflection Question: How can I be a source of strength and encouragement to those who lead me in faith, especially when I’m struggling myself?

Even those who serve in ministry, preach the Gospel, or labour for the Church can experience spiritual dryness and a sense of abandonment. Yet in the Transfiguration, Jesus shows us what it means to receive direction, affirmation, and strength from the Father — not for the mountaintop alone, but for the journey that lies ahead.

Spiritual experiences, though powerful, are not ends in themselves. As the apostles were left in silent awe, we too are invited to pause and reflect on these encounters — to ask what God is revealing in them. True happiness and lasting growth come not merely from the experience, but from the fruits they bear: love, joy, peace, and the courage to follow Christ even when the road is hard.

Ultimately, these moments are meant to lead to deeper transformation — a renewed vision, a clearer purpose, and a life more fully conformed to Christ. Just as Jesus descended the mountain with renewed resolve, we are called to bask in the Father’s love, listen to His voice, and allow that encounter to strengthen our daily walk with Him.

Reflection Question: How am I seeking direction in life, not just to make the right choices, but to find the peace that comes from knowing I’m walking with God?

We often pour ourselves into service or ministry, hoping to fill an inner void through the appreciation and affirmation of others. Yet, as the Gospel reminds us, true joy and self-worth do not come from external praise, but from prioritising prayer and seeking God's undivided attention. Paradoxically, those most engaged in service often neglect this vital practice because prayer, unlike visible work, yields no immediate human accolades.

We cannot truly love others or serve selflessly unless we have first experienced God's radical love and attention for us. When we sit at the feet of Jesus in prayer, we receive His full attention and bask in His immense love. This becomes the wellspring of our self-worth, not what we do or how others perceive us.

Reflection Question: How can I cultivate a deep sense of self-worth based on God's love, rather than relying on the appreciation of others?