Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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August 13, 2021August 15, 2021
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
1 Cor 15:20-27
Lk 1:39-56
GROW: There are very few things in this world that are perfectly united, though many attempts have been made, think peanut butter and chocolate, Batman and Robin. But there is one example, and that is the Blessed Virgin Mary is perfectly united with Jesus’ life and redemptive work. Though fully human, she is completely without sin – she is, as we pray in echoing God’s angel, “full of grace.” Thus she shares, as we do, in Christ’s heavenly destiny but with an immediacy that we do not have. Upon her death she was instantly assumed into heavenly glory, body and soul, as the first of all the faithful who will eventually join with Christ in eternity upon death and purification. In celebrating this great Solemnity, the Church celebrates what lies ahead for those of us who imitate Mary’s total trust in God. She had complete faith in God and his promises, and is a living example of the power and generosity of our God. We can follow her lead, engaging in a life of witness (proclaiming God’s greatness) and gratitude (have a rejoicing spirit) for the sake of the world.
GO: Sometimes, when hearing or talking about Mary’s fiat, I first see it as a “yes” in modern, human terms. “Yes, I’ll serve on that committee.” “Yes, I’ll organize that party.” “Yes, I’ll stay late to finish that project.” It doesn’t take long for our little “yesses” to turn into an adamant “Nooooooooo,” also known as burnout. Thankfully, Mary’s yes was far more than just an acquiescence to a small request – it was the commitment of her entire self to the choice God had placed before her. And she was rewarded with a special seat in heaven near her Son. In today’s Gospel, Elizabeth immediately recognizes the true meaning of Mary’s fiat: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” What can we learn from Mary’s example? We can learn trust. We don’t need to sign up for every volunteer opportunity (though volunteering is a great and worthwhile thing to do), but we can say “yes” to what God is asking of us according to the gifts and graces he has given us. Through daily prayer and seeking the intercession of Mary and Jesus, we can grow closer to the Lord and prepare ourselves for the day we meet Jesus and Mary face to face.
PRAY: A lot of misunderstanding surrounds Catholic devotion to Mary. We do not worship Mary – that is reserved for God alone. Yet we do revere her and honor her unique and important role in God’s saving plan. Pray the Magnificat or the Rosary, paying close attention to their scriptural foundation and what was happening in the “stories” within those Scriptures.
