Far above Cherubim or Seraphim, very near
the Throne of God Himself, Mary sits enthroned.
In her are combined the burning love of the
Seraphim, the knowledge of the Cherubim, the majesty
of the Thrones, the authority of the Dominations.
She rules them all in virtue of the higher perfection
of her soul in the order of grace. If they are
so exceedingly beautiful, what must she be? If they
are so full of tender love for man, how much more
must she overflow with love and mercy?
What is it that exalts Mary before them all?
Not merely her obedience to the will of God, for
this has always characterized them all, but her
obedience in circumstances the most trying, amid
suffering the most intense. She approached in her
Compassion most nearly to the Passion of her Son.
None save He ever surpassed her in suffering. She
was the Queen of Martyrs, and therefore is the
Queen of Angels. Thus it is that she has earned a
more excellent reward than they. Hence learn to
value suffering for God's sake.
There was yet another reason for Mary's
exaltation. She was more closely united in body and
soul to her Divine Son and God than any of the
Holy Angels. When we receive Holy Communion,
we are as closely united to Our Lord as is possible
for mortal man. O Jesus! unite me more and more
to Thee, that I may receive more copious graces
from Thy Sacred Heart.