Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. Bible Study: Revelation 11:19-12:1-10, 1st Corinthians 15:20-27 and Luke 1:39-56
“For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:48)
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 966: “Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, she was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death.”
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians. Unlike the case of Elijah, Mary’s move into heaven is not vividly documented in the Bible at least not directly. Nonetheless, our readings at Mass today give us helpful clues as to what actually happened.
Mary is that woman who is spoken of in the book of Revelation who gave birth to a child against all odds. That child as St. Paul makes us understand is the New Adam. The one who came to undo the mistake of the first Adam. In other words, Mary was not an ordinary woman. She had a great purpose and mission.
Our Gospel passage from Luke describes the meeting of two pregnant women; one pregnant even though passed the age of child-bearing, the other pregnant even though she had never known a man before. The lives of Elizabeth and Mary are proofs that there is no such thing as IMPOSSIBILITY when it comes to God. If God could make a virgin pregnant, what is there in taking up a person body and soul into heaven?
The word of Elizabeth to Mary defines her uniqueness amongst everything that God ever created. “Blessed are you among women.” No woman can ever be more popular than Mary, no woman can ever rise to a more glorious position than Mary, and no woman’s name will ever be mentioned on the lips of millions and millions of generations upon generations to come like the name of Mary.
In conclusion, what exactly is the significance of today’s feast for us? Our opening prayer at mass gives us a good answer. It prays: “Grant we pray, that always attentive to the things that are above, we may merit being sharers in her (Mary’s) glory.
Colossians 3:1-2 says: So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Never forget home. Set your mind on things above.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, grant that through Mary’s intercession, I may one day come over to join you in heaven. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you.