Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings for Mass during the Day (click here to read full text)
Reading I: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16
Reading II: 1 Cor 15:20-27
Gospel: Lk 1:39-56
Reading I: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16
Reading II: 1 Cor 15:20-27
Gospel: Lk 1:39-56
Word count: 498
Reading speed:
Slow (100 wpm): 5 minutes
Average (130 wpm): 3.8 minutes
Fast (160 wpm): 3.1 minutes
In the Papal Bull of Pius XII, Munificentissimus Deus or Most Bountiful God, proclaiming the Dogma of the Assumption of Mary, it is stated that "The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory" [MD 44].
This is the ultimate grace God has bestowed on His "lowly servant", Mary, who humbly cooperated in His Plan of Salvation. This grace of being assumed body and soul into heaven, of being spared from the corruption of sin, in her Immaculate Conception, and death, in her Assumption, is intimately linked to the mystery of Jesus’ incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection.
Being Jesus’ first disciple, Mary was the first one to be blessed with a share in Christ’s resurrection among all His followers. She was the first to receive the message of God and accepted the Son of God at the Annunciation, becoming the Mother of God (see Luke 1:38, 45). She, as the Lord's lowly servant, remained faithful to her son, Jesus, following Him to Calvary and unto His death on the cross (see John 19:25-27). Mary’s joining with the apostles in prayer, after the Ascension of the Lord (see Acts 1:14), presents to us a clear image of Mary as the first disciple who hears the Word of God and keeps it in her heart. Throughout her life, she persevered in faith.
Now, we ask ourselves, what is the Assumption of Mary to us today?
We may not be like Mary in many things, but we can follow her example of being a faithful disciple of her Son. In our persevering faith as followers of Christ, especially in these most difficult times, the Assumption of Mary enlivens our hope that one day, when our earthy existence ceases, our bodies will also become glorious. Her assumption to heaven, then, anticipates our full participation in Christ's resurrection. This, we will receive, if we persevere in our faith and love of God like our Blessed Mother Mary.
On August 16, 2006, during the Pope’s General Audience, Pope Benedict XVI taught us that by looking at Mary in her heavenly glory, we realize that earth is not our final home and that if we conduct our lives with our attention set on eternal things, we will one day partake in this glory, and our life on earth will become more meaningful.
As a result, even in the face of hundreds of everyday challenges, we must maintain our tranquility and calm. When sorrowful shadows of suffering and violence appear to loom on the horizon, the dazzling symbol of Our Lady carried up into Heaven shines even brighter.
Mary, from on high, watches over us with loving care, dispelling the shadows in times of darkness and despair, and assuring us with her motherly embrace.
With this knowledge, let us proceed with trust wherever Providence leads us on our Christian journey. Let us go forward with Mary's direction in our lives.
Our Lady of the Assumption, Pray for us.
Fr. Joel R. Lasutaz, SSS
Image credit: pixabay.com
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