August 2010

Today we celebrate the Dormiton and Assumption of Mary into Heaven. Today we recall Mary’s death and her entry into Heaven, where God, fills her with happiness and joy! Today the faith of Mary is replaced by clear vision. Mary was the first who received this great gift; a gift promised to all believers in God who continue in fidelity to the end of their lives! After her death, Mary is taken up to heaven body and soul. Celebrating this feast we confirm our belief in God’s promise of the resurrection of the body.

Brothers and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. – From first letter to the Corinthians.

The second reading, from the First Letter to the Corinthians, gives us a clear teaching about the resurrection of the body. Jesus Christ is our resurrection and salvation. In Christ our life has a deep meaning and sense. It also teaches that in the end, resurrection will overcome death entirely” The last enemy to be destroyed is death”

The Gospel is Mary’s song of thanksgiving for the mighty works of God. Let us listen again words from today’s Gospel:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.

Our Catholic tradition tells us that Mary was taken up to heaven, body and soul. Mary’s assumption reminds us that we too will someday join Mary in heaven. Mary is not only the mother of Jesus but also our spiritual mother. We believe that Mary can intercede for us, even today, if we call on her name.

We understand that Mary is not God, not a fourth person of the Godhead, but instead a model human being who was able to listen to God’s work and to put it into practice in her life.

Just as Christ rose from the dead, so also Mary is taken bodily into heaven–but only in view of the merits of her Son. Christ is always central. All salvation comes through Christ. If anyone is saved, that salvation comes through Jesus Christ.

Let us pray today for a deeper understanding of this truth.

May the Lord guide the Church so that she reflects more completely the goodness and love of the Lord. May Mary intercede for us today so that we may follow her Son, Jesus Christ. May today’s Eucharistic celebration bring us to Heaven, with Mary and all the saints, for all eternity!