Solemnity Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary - Mass During The Day: Year, C – July 14, 2016.
Readings: Rev. 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB; Responsorial Psalm Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16; 1 Cor. 15:20-27; Gospel Luke 1:39-56.
Theme: Going Up with Mary
Today we celebrate the Glorious Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, BVM into heaven. The assumption of the BVM is one of the four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church. A dogma is the official teaching of the Church proclaimed by the Magisterium (the teaching body of the Church). Dogmas are lights along the path of faith; they illuminate and make faith secure (Jn 8:31-32). Built upon divine foundations, dogmas are firmly rooted in scripture as evident in Matthew 18:18 & 16:18-19, John 21:16 & Luke 10:16.
The BVM is not the first to be taken up to heaven. Elijah - 2 Kings 2:11, Enoch (Genesis 5:24; Sirach 44:16 & 49:14 ), Moses (Jude 9) and Mary (Revelation 12:1-6) were taken up to heaven. If ordinary human beings were considered by God for such an honour, how about the woman who bore the redeemer of the world? In fact, hers should be a VIP.
Islam shares something in common with Catholicism. To be sure, in the Holy Quran, the only name of a woman mentioned is that of Maryam, the mother of Jesus. In fact, Chapter 3 of the Quran is called "family of Maryam" and chapter 19 is titled "Maryam." Chapter 3:34 says Mary was born without original sin, she never committed any sin in her life and she was ever virgin.
Most importantly, Quran chapter 50:23 reveals that she went to heaven with her physical body describing the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven.
The first reading (Rev. 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB) presents the BVM as the ark of God's covenant who gave the world the first tabernacle. Little wonder the gospel (Luke 1:39-56) relates that "when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb" such that "Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice" saying, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
Her cousin would not hesitate to address her as "the mother of my Lord" counting herself unworthy of such an honour. From both women, we learn the virtue of humility and submission to the will of God.
The Magnificat or song of Mary comes to us as a heavenly template for grace, strength and consolation. What God was able to do to the lowly girl of Israel he would do for us if only we place ourselves in his service. The Church invites us to approach the throne of grace in confidence bearing in mind that his mother, Mary would not refuse us anything of her son. We therefore ought to approach the throne of grace with unwavering expectation. She did it for the couple at Cana in Galilee when she interceded to spare them of the embarrassment of wine shortage (John 2:1-11). She will do no less in our time.
We must, however, pay heed to her summon, "do what he tells you." What does he tell us? Doing the will of God through loving him and our neighbours.
The BVM teaches us that this earthly dwelling is not our true home. Her assumption remains a true reminder that our homeland is in heaven. It invites us to place our trust beyond this land of our sojourn.
This solemnity is also a constant reminder that although we may not be privileged to be taken body and soul into heaven like Elijah, Enoch, Moses and Mary, our bodies too would be raised in glory - An assurance that the gloom of death is transformed by the glory of the resurrection. The second reading (1 Cor. 15:20-27) assures that "in Christ [the son of Mary] shall all be brought to life." What an assurance!
The blessings of God to Abraham and his sons would come true if we meditate on the mysteries of the Lord through his lowly-servant, Mary. May all our Marian commitments bear fruit
in plenty. Have a great week ahead!
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