The book of Revelation testifies to this fact. Solomon's temple with the ark of the covenant were destroyed in 587 B.C.. But when Jesus ascended to heaven, he established a new temple: "Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple" (Revelation 11:19). With these words, John, the author of Revelation, presents Jesus as one who eternally rebuilt in heaven what Solomon so fleetingly built on earth. Then John introduces a woman. "A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" (Revelation 12:1).
Revelation portrays Christ, then, as a new Solomon who has built a Temple and Ark of the Covenant in heaven. Just as Solomon entrhoned his queen mother at his right, so Christ has enthroned his Queen Mother, "clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of Twelve stars." Those familiar with the Old Testament would expect any king in the line of David to have a queen mother. We who are Catholic recognize Mary as the Queen Mother of the King of kings. And that is why we pray, "Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope."
by Father Oscar Lukefahr, C.M.
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