Homily for August 15, 2018
_And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.” *(Luke 1:46-48)*_
Today we are celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To bring it down to the layman’s understanding, we are celebrating the fact that Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ was taken up straight to heaven at the end of her life. In other words, Mary’s body was never buried in any tomb. (Confer, Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 966).
If you read what Jesus said in John 6:51, you will not have any problem believing the truth of the Assumption of Mary! In Jesus’ own words: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.”
If by sharing in Holy Communion, (the body of Christ), we believe we shall live forever, what can we say about the Woman who carried Holy Communion in her womb for Nine Months and delivered Him as a baby for the whole world to see?
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians. When we celebrate the Assumption, we remind ourselves how we too shall live forever with Christ in heaven after our journey on earth is over.
In our Gospel passage this morning, Mary, even while still alive prophesied about the honour that would be given to her forever. She said: “Behold, all generations will call me blessed.” This is exactly why Mary would continue to receive attention. It is the reason why devotions to Mary continue despite the opinions and criticisms of those who consider Mary as a mere envelope that was used by God.
Mary was still alive when Elizabeth and Angel Gabriel composed the “Hail Mary Prayer.” Elizabeth says to Mary: “Blessed are you among women.” In our first reading, we are told a story that pointed vividly to the person of Mary; she is the woman who gave birth to a child against all odds. That child as St. Paul makes us understand is the New Adam. The one who came to undo the mistake of the first Adam.
In conclusion, what exactly is the significance of today’s feast for us? Our opening prayer at mass gives us a good answer. It prays: “Grant we pray, that always attentive to the things that are above, we may merit to be sharers in her (Mary’s) glory.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, grant that through Mary’s intercession, I may one day come over to join you in heaven. Amen
*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. Bible Study: Revelation 11:19-12:1-10. 1st Corinthians 15:20-27 and Luke 1:39-56).*
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