Every so often a solemnity like the Assumption falls on a Sunday, giving more prominence to this special feast of Mary. At the end of her earthly life God drew Mary home, assuming her into heaven where she would reign as queen until the end of time. From the beginning of her life on earth, when she was immaculately conceived, until the end, the Blessed Virgin Mary conformed her life to God’s will. Let us look to her as a model as we endeavor to discern God’s will for us.
Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
When the angel Gabriel visited the young virgin Mary with the momentous, shocking news that she would be the mother of God’s Son, she responded faithfully, “May it be done to me according to your word.” When a woman spontaneously praised his mother, Jesus told the crowd, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” As we listen to God’s word today, let us consider how we assent to God’s will and incorporate God’s word in our lives.
Reflection
• Mary was not the only person the angel Gabriel visited. Six months earlier he was sent to Zechariah, Elizabeth’s husband, to whom he announced that she would soon conceive a son as well. He chose not to believe the angel, and as a consequence was rendered mute until God’s promise to him and Elizabeth was fulfilled. Mary, however, chose to believe and consent to this unusual and troubling proposal. Though not as dramatic, every day we too make choices to accept or not accept God’s will.
• We do not know how Zechariah would have reacted to Mary’s visit had he been able to speak, but we know what he said once his son was born and he was able to speak once again: “you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways” (Luke 1:76). It took nine months, but the Holy Spirit moved him as well and he gladly and freely consented to God’s will. We all can appreciate second chances.
• Christ has accomplished the victory over sin and death. By baptism, we have been promised a share in this victory, a victory beyond our own ability. This feast celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven, body and soul. Mary has shown us the way. She trusted in God from the start, willingly consented to God’s will, became her Son’s first disciple, mourned him at the foot of the cross. May her heavenly reward be ours. In Mary’s assumption we get a glimpse of the heavenly reward God has planned for all who hold Christ dear in their hearts.
readings of the Mass
SELECT HEREfor the Audio recording of the Readings of Sunday, August 15th, 2021, The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, August 15th, 2021, The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
reflections
“And Mary said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Luke 1: 46
Reflect the Light of Christ
After Jesus, we look to Mary as our model of stewardship. Her entire life was lived in obedience to God’s will. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Mary reflects the light of Christ. Like Mary, we too are called to reflect Christ to the world. We do this by living grateful and generous lives. We do this by put- ting other’s needs before our wants.
On August 15, the Church celebrates the fact that Mary, the Mother of God, was assumed into Heaven at the end of her earthly life.
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