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Every year on August 15th, we celebrate one of the greatest feast days of Mary, the Assumption of Mary into the glory of heaven, which forever gives her a special place in the life of our Catholic Community. Ultimately, her place is defined by her being chosen to be the mother of Jesus. This alone gives Mary a uniqueness which is shared by no other person who has ever lived in our world family. She alone is the only person ever called “blessed” in Scripture – a title of distinction and beauty: Blessed Virgin Mary.
For many centuries, the assumption of Mary was long held by Catholics down through the ages as an important Catholic belief. However, the belief was not defined as dogma until 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Essentially, this dogma teaches that Mary, who was without sin, was taken body and soul into heaven.
The Gospel from Luke for this holy day is quite beautiful for it recalls Mary’s actions after the announcement of Jesus’ birth by the angel Gabriel. Mary goes to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who is also with child. She wants to share her good news! When have I shared the joy of the Gospel with those in my life? Do others see joy in the way I live?
And within this Gospel passage is the beloved “Magnificat,” Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting - a song of praise which has all the markings of an Early Church hymn. This prayer and hymn, which is sung daily at Evening Prayer in monasteries and churches worldwide, contains the great “reversal theme” of Luke: Those who oppress now will be overthrown, and the lowly will be exalted; those who are hungry now will have their fill, but those who are satiated now will be sent away. In fact, the whole Gospel is a shocking reversal of the world’s values and priorities. And blessed are they who struggle to live up to those counter-cultural values. Which values and priorities guide me in my daily life and decision-making?
In short, the Gospel for this feast day highlights Mary’s faith. She said “yes” to God. Her openness to God allowed God to work through her. Mary is a model and symbol of the Church. She is the first follower of her son, Jesus. Blessed she is. Am I open to God? Do I listen to the voice within me?
Special Theological Reflections for this Holy Day:
The Church has not declared whether Mary died and then was assumed into heaven or whether she was assumed before she died. It leaves open both possibilities. However, the majority of theologians and saints throughout the centuries have affirmed that Mary did experience death – not as a penalty for sin but in conformity to her son who willingly experienced death on our behalf.
The Catechism affirms that Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory. One of the consequences of original sin is the corruption of the body. However, if Mary was full of grace and did not suffer from original sin, it is fitting that she – like her son – would not experience such bodily corruption.
Although there are no explicit proof texts in Scripture for Mary’s assumption, the Bible does present Mary as the first Christian disciple – and accordingly would be the first to receive the blessings of following Christ. And since one of the blessings promised to all faithful disciples is victory over death (resurrection), it is fitting that Mary would be the first to receive this blessing. In short, while the rest of us hope to have our bodies raised to glory at the end of time, Mary experienced the resurrection and glorification of her body at the moment her earthly life ended. In the end, her assumption points to the Risen Christ – her Son!
Questions to Ponder on this Feast Day:
Mary was an open vessel. She struggled with uncertainty. She questioned. She listened. Responded with yes. Are you receptive to the incredible mystery of divine love?
In which ways is Mary a model for you? Name them.
There are moments in our lives when – just like expectant mothers – we know that we have been blessed. Can you identify such a time?
Mary always points to Jesus, not herself. Do you?
LITANY OF MARY
Mary of the Annunciation, teach us how to respond with faith to divine mystery.
Mary at Elizabeth’s door, teach us to be generous with our capacity to care.
Mary giving birth to Jesus, teach us to look for your Son in our adverse conditions.
Mary fleeing into the strange land of Egypt, teach us to welcome strangers from foreign lands.
Mary at the Presentation of Jesus, teach us how to accept the conditions for loving fully.
Mary in the Temple where young Jesus preached, teach us to be diligent in finding our spiritual treasure.
Mary at home in Nazareth with your family, teach us to value the gift of our relationships.
Mary meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary, teach us to meet our own pain with compassion.
Mary standing beneath the Cross, teach us to be present to the suffering ones of our world.
Mary receiving your crucified Son in your arms, teach us that we, too, can embrace our losses with courage.
Mary at the tomb, teach us to be not afraid to enter into our grief.
Mary in the Upper Room with the disciples, teach us the strength of community and the power of prayer.
Mary of the Assumption, teach us to gaze on the glories of heaven.
—Prayer Seeds, Joyce Rupp
Hail Mary, you are full of grace. The Holy One is with you. Blessed are you forever. Amen.
Deacon David
Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland
Published with Permission
