The Assumption of Mary

Readings: Apocalypse 11:19,12:1-6,10, Ps. 45:10-12,16, Luke 1:39-56

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on, all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.’” (Luke 1:46-49)

Today is the 15th of August when we celebrate the glorious Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God, in heaven. What does that mean? The Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 966 says: “Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death.”

- The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians. Unlike the case of Elijah, Mary’s move into heaven is not directly documented in the Bible, but our readings at Mass today give us helpful clues as to what happened.

Our First Reading today is a passage from the book of Revelation. It speaks of a woman about to give birth to a great child, and a dragon stands there waiting to devour the child. The child is then taken up into heaven while she goes free.

- Our Second Reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians compares Christ with Adam. While Adam represents the entrance of sin and death to mankind, Christ represents the redemption and resurrection of mankind, so for Mary to have given birth to Christ, she is no ordinary woman.

- Our Gospel passage from Luke describes the meeting of two women, two living miracles whose lives were transformed by the action of the Holy Spirit. One was pregnant even though she had passed the age of childbearing, and the other was pregnant even though she had never known a man.

- Elizabeth and Mary’s lives prove that there is no such thing as impossibility regarding God. Elizabeth’s words to Mary define her uniqueness amongst everything that God ever created: “Blessed are you among women.” Truly, Mary was so blessed among women that at the end of her life, God did not allow her body to experience corruption.

One important lesson we learned in today’s liturgy is that we serve a God who knows how to reward His faithful servants. We do not worship God in vain, and we do not make sacrifices for God in vain. Like Mary, if we remain faithful, God will grant us glory.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you did not allow your mother to experience corruption on earth. Grant that through her intercession, we will one day come over to join you in heaven. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bible Study: Apocalypse 11:19,12:1-6,10, Ps. 45:10-12,16, Luke 1:39-56).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu