Assumption of BVM-[C]- Rev11:19;12:1-6,10;1Cori15:20-26;Lk1:39-56

The Marian Doctrine the assumption of Mary was defined by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950. Through this Doctrine, the Catholic Church proclaimed that, revealed by God, the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into Heavenly glory.

In the Assumption, Mary is fully united with her son in glory.  She remains his mother.  He remains her son.  Cardinal Suenens once said, “Jesus does not point out Mary and say, “She used to be my mother.” Not only is she Jesus’ mother, she is our mother too, for on Calvary Jesus gave her to us to be our mother.  “Woman, behold your son,” he said to her and to St. John, who was a representative of all disciples, Jesus said “Behold your mother.”

Our separated brethren  downplay Mary’s glories as though she could possibly be a rival to God, who alone we worship and adore. In her Immaculate Conception Mary is the first of Christ’s miracles, and He crowns her with her glorious Assumption as a sign and foretaste of the joys promised to His bride, the Church, to be ‘without spot or wrinkle. Not to believe in the assumption of Mary therefore is not to believe in God’s power to do miracles.

In her Assumption, she is brought to the right side of her Son, the King, and she intercedes before Him constantly for us. We know and believe that Mary is concerned about our salvation.  We expect Mary to help us and we pray to her.  There is no relevance in having trouble with this idea of praying to Mary.  Jesus is our savior and we all believe that.  We all believe we should pray for one another.  If we can ask others to pray for us and we pray for them, why can’t those in heaven also pray for us?   If we seek the prayers of sinners on earth, for we are all sinners, why not seek the intercession of the saints in heaven?  Why not turn to the Queen of saints, God’s own Mother?

One day as God is walking around Heaven He notices a number of people on the heavenly streets who shouldn't be there.  He finds St. Peter at the gate and says to him, "Peter, you've been remiss in your duties.  You're letting in the wrong sort of people." "Don't blame me, Lord," replies Peter.  "I turn them away just like you said to.  Then they go around to the back door and Jesus’ mother lets them in."

1) As Mary’s Assumption was a reward for a holy life, this feast invites us to keep our bodies pure and holy.  Paul gives three additional reasons: a) our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, b) our body parts are the members of Christ’s body, and c) our bodies are to be glorified on the day of the Last Judgment.

2)   We are given an assurance of hope in our resurrection and a source of inspiration during moments of despair and temptations.

3)   We need to pray to Mary.  Pray to Jesus through Mary is the reason to pray the Rosary.

 How many times have we said in the rosary: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Countless times, no doubt. And with good reason. It's no wonder that John the Baptist, in his mother's womb, leapt for joy at hearing the greeting of our Lady. It's no wonder that Elizabeth expressed such joy and showed so much reverence to Mary.

We have the opportunity to carry the King of Kings within us daily in the Holy Eucharist. While this time is brief, we can rejoice holding this gift within us as Mary did. The angels bow before us while the Blessed Host is within us and I am sure they did the same with Mary. May the Spirit of Mary be in each of us so that we may rejoice as we celebrate the assumption of Mary.