Mary’s Assumption

Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“Today the virgin Mother of God was taken up into heaven to be the beginning and the pattern of the Church in its perfection, and a sign of hope and comfort for your people on their pilgrim way.” (From the Preface of the Assumption)

Just as Mary was taken up to heaven and is triumphant in heavenly glory, we too, will one day share in Christ’s resurrection. The whole Church, in its perfection, will share in His resurrection. Christ handed himself over for the Church; to sanctify her, cleansing her, so that she may be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27) We aren’t meant for this world, it is our pilgrimage to our true home, heaven. But it is in this world that we are purified and made holy. We learn to die unto ourselves so that we may be perfectly united with Christ on the cross. And it is only through death that we can share in his resurrection.

“God knows and loves the whole human being, what we are. And God welcomes into his eternity what is developing and becoming now, in our life made up of suffering and love, of hope, joy, and sorrow. The whole of man, the whole of his life, is taken by God and, purified in him, receives eternity…” (Pope Benedict XVI) God is united with us in this world. We are moving toward Him. He gives us strength during our trials, he comforts us in our sorrow, and he rejoices with us in our times of joy. The things of this world that are precious to us will not fall into ruin; instead they will find fullness in God. The old order will pass away and he will make all things new. (Revelation 21:4-5)

Because Mary is with God and in God, she is close to each of us. Our blessed Mother helps us to seek God and to live in His love. She knows our hearts, hears our prayers and takes them to her Son. She is our intercessor. She is our hope.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.