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.